Organisatoriska utmaningar vid integration av AI i produktutveckling: En studie om förändringshantering och medarbetaracceptans

DATE: 9th June 2025 LEVEL: Master thesis in Industrial Engineering and Management, 30ECTS INSTITUTION: University School of Innovation, Design and Engineering, IDE, Mälardalens AUTHORS: Berkan Öz 9th April 2000, Johannes Atas 8th August 2001 TUTOR: Kristian Sandström KEYWORDS: AI, NPD, Employeeacceptance, Organizational Challenges TITLE: Organizational Challenges in Integrating AI into Product Development: A Study on Change Management and Employee Acceptance REASERCH QUESTION: RQ1: What organizational challenges arise when integrating AI into the NPD process? RQ2: What strategies can companies use to optimize/facilitate AI integration into the NPD process? RQ3:How can companies manage resistance to change when integrating AI into the NPD process? PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the organizational challenges that arise when integrating AI into the NPD process. By analyzing factors such as change management, leadership, and employee acceptance, the study aims to provide insights into how companies can optimize their AI integration and develop strategies for successful integration. METHOD: The study is based on a qualitative method with a deductive approach and data collection through semi-structured interviews combined with literature studies. The selection of respondents has been careful to ensure relevant experience of the subject. CONCLUSION: The study's conclusion shows that successful AI integration in the NPD process requires good change management, committed leadership and actively working to increase employee acceptance. The organizational challenges that often arise include uncertainty around work roles, lack of internal skills and communication. Furthermore, the study shows that strategies of early involvement among workers, training and a clear vision for the role of AI, prove to be positive.