Int. J. Automotive Technology and Management, Vol. 8, No. 3, 2008 317 Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Innovation networks in the automotive industry: an empirical study in Germany Christoph Dilk, Ronald Gleich and Andreas Wald European Business School International University Schloss Reichartshausen 65375 Oestrich-Winkel, Germany E-mail: christoph.dilk@ebs.edu E-mail: ronald.gleich@ebs.edu E-mail: andreas.wald@ebs.edu Jaideep Motwani* Department of Management Seidman College of Business Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USA E-mail: motwanij@gvsu.edu *Corresponding author Abstract: In this paper, we address the issues of the need for and the future of innovation networks in the automotive sector. Specifically, the aim of the study is to explore the frequency of the occurrence of innovation networks in the automotive industry and identify the status quo of their management practices. Through a series of semistructured interviews with the managers involved in 39 innovation networks, we present insights into network approaches and strategies. The empirical survey is able to confirm that innovation networks can help raise the degree of innovativeness in German and European automobile companies. It can be expected that innovation networks will constantly spread further and gain more importance in the coming years. Also, the most important goals that the involved companies aimed to realise by engaging in innovation networks included flexible access to technologies, intensified contact with clients and markets and the long-term bonding of suppliers and clients. Three innovation network examples are given to illustrate the variety of their employment. Keywords: automotive; empirical; innovation networks; strategies. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Dilk, C., Gleich, R., Wald, A. and Motwani, J. (2008) ‘Innovation networks in the automotive industry: an empirical study in Germany’, Int. J. Automotive Technology and Management, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp.317–330. Biographical notes: Christoph Dilk has studied Business Administration in Germany, the USA and Argentina. Since 2005, he has been a Research Assistant and doctoral candidate at the Strascheg Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIIE) at the European Business School (EBS) International University Schloss Reichartshausen in Wiesbaden/Oestrich-Winkel, Germany.