Understanding the Factors of Sustainable Competitiveness of the Automotive Industry: A Case Study of BOSCH
Shadat, Syeda Tanzina (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052717119
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052717119
Tiivistelmä
Environmental pressures, convulsion regulations, and growing consumer expectations have driven the automotive industry to integrate sustainability as a core strategic priority. The task was to explore how social and environmental sustainability practices were implemented to create a competitive advantage in the automotive sector. The objective was to analyse how a global automotive firm applies sustainability strategically to maintain market leadership while aligning with evolving industry standards.
The study reviewed recent academic literature on sustainability and competitiveness and applied two key theoretical frameworks: Creating Shared Value and the Circular Economy. These frameworks served as analytical lenses for understanding Bosch’s sustainability actions. A qualitative single-case study method was used, combining seven semi-structured interviews with Bosch professionals across departments and countries with secondary data from corporate sustainability reports and policy documents. Data were manually analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings revealed that Bosch actively integrates sustainability into core operations through strategic initiatives such as carbon neutrality programs, circular economy adoption, ethical supply chains, green technology investments, and inclusive workplace practices. These actions support long-term value creation, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder trust, thereby strengthening Bosch’s competitive position in the automotive sector. The research demonstrates that sustainability becomes a source of innovation, differentiation, and sustained market leadership when strategically aligned with business goals.
The study reviewed recent academic literature on sustainability and competitiveness and applied two key theoretical frameworks: Creating Shared Value and the Circular Economy. These frameworks served as analytical lenses for understanding Bosch’s sustainability actions. A qualitative single-case study method was used, combining seven semi-structured interviews with Bosch professionals across departments and countries with secondary data from corporate sustainability reports and policy documents. Data were manually analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings revealed that Bosch actively integrates sustainability into core operations through strategic initiatives such as carbon neutrality programs, circular economy adoption, ethical supply chains, green technology investments, and inclusive workplace practices. These actions support long-term value creation, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder trust, thereby strengthening Bosch’s competitive position in the automotive sector. The research demonstrates that sustainability becomes a source of innovation, differentiation, and sustained market leadership when strategically aligned with business goals.