Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, leads around 500 employees worldwide. In an interview with Porsche Consulting Magazine, he talks about the crucial role innovation plays in ongoing product development. About the importance of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and software for the future viability of the automotive industry. And about the need for strong partnerships to accelerate the pace of innovation.
The international Group Innovation department is responsible for developing innovations for the Group's passenger car brands. Dr. Ardey and his highly specialized team are also exploring future-oriented topics such as semiconductor design and quantum computing, as well as materials research for batteries, lightweight construction, and new recyclable synthetics. Their development work additionally concentrates on the overarching topics of circular economy and decarbonization.