Background: Traditionally, dense network structures have dominated partnerships in the automotive industry. On the other hand, previous research in other industries has shown that network structures suitable for radical innovation include weak ties, structural holes and betweenness centrality....

The purpose of this research is to analyse empirically the effect of the ongoing and radical change in the business environment in the automotive industry called CASE (Connected, Autonomous/Automated, Shared, Electric) on the network structure of the partnerships of automobile manufacturers....