Establishing an internal venture studio requires strategic focus on ecosystem thinking, leveraging company assets, exploring innovative business models like platforms and AI, and creating a robust governance structure with a “Beyond the Core Growth Board” to ensure alignment and autonomy for sustainable growth and innovation.

The real estate industry has always been a complex web of interactions between various stakeholders including buyers, sellers, agents, developers, and financial institutions. In recent years, platforms within this ecosystem have revolutionized how these parties interact, bringing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility to a traditionally opaque market.

In this fictive case study, we outline how even a locked-in tier 1 value chain player, can unlock new growth by applying an effective ecosystem strategy.

Continental, a global leader in automotive technology, faces the challenge of stagnating growth as a tier 1 supplier. By adopting an ecosystem perspective and focusing on platforms, Continental can unlock new growth opportunities and enhance its value proposition. The “Beyond Tire” strategy identifies key mobility segments for expansion, including autonomous vehicles, connected cars, and smart infrastructure. Embracing digital transformation, fostering innovation, and forming strategic partnerships will help Continental advance its position in the value chain while maintaining its value to car manufacturers. This comprehensive approach will ensure Continental remains a pivotal player in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.