Facing technological change: addressing competence shift in a routines and identity perspective

The profound transition that the automotive industry is facing affects all the actors that operate in it, from carmakers to suppliers. The research explores the case of two plants of a multinational company that operates in the automotive supply chain. These two plants are specialized in the internal combustion powertrain. However, after the headquarters decision to turn exclusively to electric solutions, the plants have embarked in a journey of technological change that requires a massive competence conversion. The paper investigates the organizational effects provoked by a technological change that significantly affects the competence base of an organization. Assuming a dual lens through which investigating such a change, the paper discusses the impacts that the introduction of a new technology has on the organizational identity and routines.