Innovation requires creativity – and creativity thrives in an environment of open exchange at eye level. That’s the basic idea behind ZF’s Innovation Days (InnoDays), which take place often throughout the year. The format has become a must-attend event at ZF's E Division because of the many good experiences we’ve had with it. Just recently we completed another installment in the InnoDays series.
Inno Days are characterized first and foremost by interdisciplinary collaboration. Silo thinking and hierarchical structures have no place here. It's about experiencing and adopting different perspectives, incorporating customer feedback and products into the discussion and – whenever possible – directly trying out new products in test vehicles. We dive deep into specific issues, take a critical look into new ideas and, above all, integrate employees from different domains – and we purposefully invest a whole day in the endeavor. Even if the day results in an idea not being pursued further, the collaborative effort has always proved to be invaluable.
Involving as many participants as possible from a variety of regions and backgrounds is particularly important for a global company like ZF Group. Keeping a finger on the pulse of market developments in different regions helps us to better understand not only local needs but also how to overcome potential industrialization challenges.
We regularly invite customers to the Inno Days as well – to discuss our ideas with those whose vehicles we aim to improve. The same applies to suppliers and potential partners, whose new technologies and products can serve as important impetus for innovations in our portfolio.
Several products have already been successfully launched and established on the market as a result of this initiative, and I’m confident that more will follow.
#ZF #Innovation #AutomotiveIndustry
Global Research Project Manager - Technology & Innovation Office at Gestamp
6moVery proud & honoured to have been given the opportunity to present at the 2024 Gestamp Tech Summit. We are pioneers in our field & have developed some revolutionary Technologies & Innovations to support the future challenges of the automotive sector. I met so many interesting innovators, developers, engineers & industrial leaders & feel lucky to work with this extremely talented team at Gestamp..! #Innovation #Technologies #Gamechangingsolutions #Gestamp