An Innovation Management Approach for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe research addresses the development and commercialization strategies for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It aims to identify key nodes in the R&D process and propose strategies for overcoming commercialization challenges. The construction of a four-stage, four-layer Policy-Technology Roadmap (P-TRM) model is particularly original. This model integrates policy, technology, product, and market dimensions, which is not commonly seen in existing literature. This paper suggests providing a more detailed explanation of the DEMATEL method and how the relationship matrix weights were determined. Additionally, it recommends validating the model with real-world case studies or empirical data to enhance reliability.
However, there are some suggestions about this article:
1. A more detailed explanation of the DEMATEL method and how the relationship matrix weights were determined is needed. Additionally, it is recommended to validate the model with real-world case studies or empirical data to enhance reliability.
2.The figures, such as the technology roadmap and the influential relation map, are clear and informative. Ensure all tables and figures are well-labeled and described in the text.
3.Provide more detailed examples of how the P-TRM model can be applied in practical scenarios.
Author Response
Thank you for your review.
The revised manuscript has been uploaded.
All changes have been highlighted in red for your easy reference.
Comments 1:A more detailed explanation of the DEMATEL method and how the relationship matrix weights were determined is needed. Additionally, it is recommended to validate the model with real-world case studies or empirical data to enhance reliability.
Response 1: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We concur with your comment. Consequently, we have provided further explanations of the DEMATEL method (line 530) and more clearly articulated the rationale behind determining the matrix weights (line 584). We greatly appreciate your suggestion to enhance the reliability of this paper, which is a goal we have strived for in in the early stages of the research. Unfortunately, due to the nascent stage of the eVTOL industry, we were unable to find comprehensive case studies or accessible data. Thank you again for your valuable input.
Comments 2:The figures, such as the technology roadmap and the influential relation map, are clear and informative. Ensure all tables and figures are well-labeled and described in the text.
Response 2: Thank you for your suggestion. We have added explanations before or after some tables and figures to help readers better understand the content.
Comments 3: Provide more detailed examples of how the P-TRM model can be applied in practical scenarios.
Response 3:Thank you for your suggestion. We have added a further explanation of P-TRM, together with typical application cases and practical examples, in Section 3.2 (starting from line 111).
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis article focuses on the innovative management strategies for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, providing a comprehensive analysis of eVTOL technology, product features, market potential, and government policies. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of eVTOL technology and constructs a roadmap of practical value, offering valuable references for academia and the industry. However, further deepening in empirical research, policy analysis, and practical cases is needed to make the article more refined and persuasive.
1. Although the article mentions the DEMATEL method and TALC theory, it does not provide detailed steps and explanations of how these methodologies are applied in the field of eVTOL, making it difficult for readers to grasp their specific implementation and operation in this study.
2. The predictions for the development and commercialization stages of eVTOL technology in the article are based on idealized assumptions and do not fully consider the unforeseeable challenges that may be encountered in the process of technological development and market adoption. It is recommended to delve deeper into the potential variability of the timeline and technical obstacles.
3. The discussion on policy tools in this article is rather superficial, merely listing policy types without in-depth analysis of specific policy examples, their implementation effects, or lessons learned from other related industries. Comparative analysis with the policy impact of industries such as drones or electric vehicles could provide richer background information and insights.
4. The market analysis part needs further refinement and should include specific considerations for different geographical areas, regulatory environments, and cultural differences. A more detailed examination of the speed at which different markets adopt eVTOL technology and the specific challenges they face will help enhance the depth and breadth of the analysis.
5. The article lacks sufficient technical details regarding key technologies such as distributed electric propulsion and flight control. An in-depth discussion of the current status of these technologies, prototypes, and technical obstacles will help enhance readers' understanding of the research content.
6. It is recommended to incorporate real-world data, case studies, or examples of eVTOL projects in the research, which will provide practical insights and strengthen the credibility of the analysis based on real-world experiences and results.
7. The use of the DEMATEL method to identify key nodes in the technology roadmap requires greater clarity. The selection criteria and the impact of node prominence are not fully explained, which may lead to misunderstandings about the importance and influence of these nodes.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required.
Author Response
Thank you for your review.
The revised manuscript has been uploaded.
All changes have been highlighted in red for your easy reference.
Comments 1:Although the article mentions the DEMATEL method and TALC theory, it does not provide detailed steps and explanations of how these methodologies are applied in the field of eVTOL, making it difficult for readers to grasp their specific implementation and operation in this study.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out.
The application of TALC theory is primarily found in the market analysis section (line 291), where it is used to analyze the different types of users and their characteristics that need to be focused on in different stages of eVTOL technology development and application, thereby providing a reference for eVTOL development.
Regarding the application of DEMATEL in eVTOL, in fact, the DEMATEL method is used as a means to analyze the key nodes in a technology roadmap constructed for eVTOL. In other words, by analyzing the structural model corresponding to the technology roadmap, we can indirectly identify the critical nodes in the development and commercialization of eVTOL. Starting from line 514, we have revised some content to make this logical process more comprehensible to readers.
Comments 2:The predictions for the development and commercialization stages of eVTOL technology in the article are based on idealized assumptions and do not fully consider the unforeseeable challenges that may be encountered in the process of technological development and market adoption. It is recommended to delve deeper into the potential variability of the timeline and technical obstacles.
Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. To address this, we have added a new chapter, Chapter 7: Challenges in eVTOL development and commercialization, starting in line 751. This chapter analyzes the uncertainties and challenges that may be encountered in the development and application of eVTOL technology, and suggests scenario-driven roadmapping as a potential approach to address these uncertainties.
Comments 3:The discussion on policy tools in this article is rather superficial, merely listing policy types without in-depth analysis of specific policy examples, their implementation effects, or lessons learned from other related industries. Comparative analysis with the policy impact of industries such as drones or electric vehicles could provide richer background information and insights.
Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. In Section 4.4, we have added a discussion on the positive impacts of China's new energy vehicle policies, along with an explanation of why eVTOL policies can learn from these experiences. Additionally, we have included a discussion on the negative side effects derived from China's new energy vehicle policies, starting from lines 389 and 416.
Comments 4:The market analysis part needs further refinement and should include specific considerations for different geographical areas, regulatory environments, and cultural differences. A more detailed examination of the speed at which different markets adopt eVTOL technology and the specific challenges they face will help enhance the depth and breadth of the analysis.
Response 4: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We fully agree. To address this, we have added a new subsection, 4.3(4) Further Market Segmentation Dimensional Analysis, starting from line 351. This subsection considers additional market segmentation dimensions beyond time, including geographic, regulatory, and cultural factors.
Comments 5:The article lacks sufficient technical details regarding key technologies such as distributed electric propulsion and flight control. An in-depth discussion of the current status of these technologies, prototypes, and technical obstacles will help enhance readers' understanding of the research content.
Response 5: Thank you for your suggestion. Starting from line 196, we have further elaborated on the key technologies of eVTOL to enhance reader comprehension.
Comments 6:It is recommended to incorporate real-world data, case studies, or examples of eVTOL projects in the research, which will provide practical insights and strengthen the credibility of the analysis based on real-world experiences and results.
Response 6: We greatly appreciate your suggestion to enhance the reliability of this paper. We fully agree with this research direction, which was a primary objective during the early stages of our study. Unfortunately, due to the nascent nature of the eVTOL industry, we were unable to locate comprehensive case studies or accessible data. Thank you again for your valuable input.
Comments 7:The use of the DEMATEL method to identify key nodes in the technology roadmap requires greater clarity. The selection criteria and the impact of node prominence are not fully explained, which may lead to misunderstandings about the importance and influence of these nodes.
Response 7: Thank you for your suggestion. From lines 614 to 675, we have elaborated on the detailed meanings of the indicators used in the DEMATEL method, and we have also expounded on the selection criteria and dialectical analysis of key nodes. These contents are closely linked to the subsequent discussions.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis article discusses an innovation management approach for Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) technology. It highlights the significance and commercial potential of eVTOL, followed by an analysis of the associated technologies, product features, market potential, and policy environment. The authors construct a "Policy-Technology Roadmap" (P-TRM) model with four stages and four dimensions (policy, technology, product, market) to guide the R&D of eVTOL. Key nodes in the R&D process are identified using the DEMATEL method, and the Technology Adoption Life Cycle (TALC) theory is utilized for interpretation. The article concludes with strategies to help eVTOL successfully cross the "chasm" from early to mainstream markets.
But there are still some problems as follows：
1. The steps in Figure 2 are not detailed; it is recommended to provide additional explanations.
2. The impact of environmental policies in Table 1 is somewhat broad; a more detailed description of the effects these policies can have is suggested.
3. The research and validation phases for infrastructure and air traffic control in Table 3 are not described; it is advisable to outline and investigate their assumptions and considerations at this stage.
4. In section 4.4, the author references policies implemented by China for the new energy vehicle industry to construct a possible policy framework for future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and proposes six potential government policies for eVTOL. It is recommended to explain why eVTOL can draw on the Chinese government's approach from a policy perspective.
5. In section 5.2, the author states that the development of eVTOL technology primarily affects product size, which indirectly influences the market. Clarification on how this impact occurs is suggested.
6. In section 6.1(2), the author normalizes the direct influence matrix for the group, resulting in a normalized direct influence matrix X. It is recommended to provide a detailed explanation of the normalization process.
Author Response
Thank you for your review.
The revised manuscript has been uploaded.
All changes have been highlighted in red for your easy reference.
Comments 1:The steps in Figure 2 are not detailed; it is recommended to provide additional explanations.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We have added further explanations for Figure 2 starting from line 85 to enhance the coherence between the text and the figure.
Comments 2:The impact of environmental policies in Table 1 is somewhat broad; a more detailed description of the effects these policies can have is suggested.
Response 2:Thank you for your suggestion. We have revised part of Table 1 and added a more detailed description of different types of policy instruments starting from line 144.
Comments 3:The research and validation phases for infrastructure and air traffic control in Table 3 are not described; it is advisable to outline and investigate their assumptions and considerations at this stage.
Response 3:Thank you for your reminder. We have added supplementary information to Table 3 (starting from line 289) to address the two points you raised.
Comments 4: In section 4.4, the author references policies implemented by China for the new energy vehicle industry to construct a possible policy framework for future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and proposes six potential government policies for eVTOL. It is recommended to explain why eVTOL can draw on the Chinese government's approach from a policy perspective.
Response 4:Thank you for your suggestion. Starting from line 386, we have added a detailed explanation of why the policy tools used for electric vehicles in China can be referenced in the study of policy tools for eVTOLs.
Comments 5:In section 5.2, the author states that the development of eVTOL technology primarily affects product size, which indirectly influences the market. Clarification on how this impact occurs is suggested.
Response 5:Thank you for pointing out this oversight. We apologize for the ambiguity caused by the inappropriate word choice in the original draft. Our intention was to convey that "The development of eVTOL technology initially influences product aspects before indirectly impacting the market," rather than "product size" or "product dimension." This has been corrected on line 478.
Comments 6:In section 6.1(2), the author normalizes the direct influence matrix for the group, resulting in a normalized direct influence matrix X. It is recommended to provide a detailed explanation of the normalization process.
Response 6:Thank you for your reminder. We have added mathematical expressions to explain the normalization process on lines 546 and 597.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI have no questions
Author Response
Thank you for your review.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript presents a comprehensive and well-structured analysis of the development path and commercialization potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. The authors have made a significant effort to integrate multiple dimensions of technology, policy, and market dynamics into a cohesive Policy-Technology Roadmap (P-TRM) model. This study is valuable for stakeholders involved in eVTOL research and commercialization, providing a strategic framework for guiding innovation management in this emerging sector.
1. The methodology section, particularly the application of the DEMATEL method, could be made clearer. The steps and processes involved in DEMATEL could be broken down more systematically, perhaps with more detailed explanations or examples to guide readers unfamiliar with this method.
2. The transition between the DEMATEL analysis and the P-TRM model could be smoother. The connection between these sections should be explicitly stated to help readers understand how the findings from DEMATEL influence the construction of the P-TRM model.
3. The manuscript would benefit from a more explicit discussion of the limitations and assumptions underlying the P-TRM model. For instance, the assumptions regarding the timelines for commercialization and the potential variability in policy impacts across different regions are critical aspects that should be acknowledged and discussed.
4. While the P-TRM model is theoretically sound, there is a need for more practical examples or case studies that demonstrate its application in real-world scenarios. This would enhance the manuscript's relevance and utility for practitioners.
5. The manuscript primarily focuses on the technological, market, and policy aspects of eVTOL commercialization. However, a discussion on the environmental and social implications of widespread eVTOL adoption would add a crucial dimension to the analysis. Issues such as noise pollution, energy consumption, and public acceptance are significant factors that should be addressed.
6. The conclusion section could be strengthened by providing more concrete recommendations for future research. While the current conclusion summarizes the key findings, it lacks a forward-looking perspective on the next steps for both research and practice in this area.
Author Response
Thank you for your review.
The revised manuscript has been uploaded.
All changes have been highlighted in red for your easy reference.
Comments 1. The methodology section, particularly the application of the DEMATEL method, could be made clearer. The steps and processes involved in DEMATEL could be broken down more systematically, perhaps with more detailed explanations or examples to guide readers unfamiliar with this method.
Response 1: Thank you for your reminder. We have tried to provide a clearer explanation of the DEMATEL method in Section 6.1 (starting from line 568 to 601), along with three research cases to illustrate the steps and applications of DEMATEL.
Comments 2. The transition between the DEMATEL analysis and the P-TRM model could be smoother. The connection between these sections should be explicitly stated to help readers understand how the findings from DEMATEL influence the construction of the P-TRM model.
Response 2:Thank you for your suggestion. Starting from line 538, we have provided a clearer explanation of the rationale behind transforming the technology roadmap into a structural model and analyzing it using DEMATEL. In other words, we have elaborated on how the authors conceived the idea of combining TRM and DEMATEL.
Comments 3. The manuscript would benefit from a more explicit discussion of the limitations and assumptions underlying the P-TRM model. For instance, the assumptions regarding the timelines for commercialization and the potential variability in policy impacts across different regions are critical aspects that should be acknowledged and discussed.
Response 3:Thank you for your suggestion. We have added a discussion of the limitations of P-TRM in our study and the lack of quantitative data analysis from lines 917 to 936. Starting from line 937, we have provided an outlook for addressing these limitations, which will also be mentioned in our subsequent responses.
Comments 4. While the P-TRM model is theoretically sound, there is a need for more practical examples or case studies that demonstrate its application in real-world scenarios. This would enhance the manuscript's relevance and utility for practitioners.
Response 4:In response to your valuable feedback, we have expanded our discussion on the application scope of current P-TRM models in lines 133-153. To illustrate these applications, we have incorporated two representative P-TRM research cases.
Comments 5. The manuscript primarily focuses on the technological, market, and policy aspects of eVTOL commercialization. However, a discussion on the environmental and social implications of widespread eVTOL adoption would add a crucial dimension to the analysis. Issues such as noise pollution, energy consumption, and public acceptance are significant factors that should be addressed.
Response 5:Thank you for pointing this out. To address this, we have added an analysis of the Environmental Impact and Social Impact in Chapter 7(lines 865-881), and supplemented Table 6 (starting from line 913) with corresponding countermeasures for both aspects.
Comments 6. The conclusion section could be strengthened by providing more concrete recommendations for future research. While the current conclusion summarizes the key findings, it lacks a forward-looking perspective on the next steps for both research and practice in this area.
Response 6:In response to your valuable feedback, we have devoted the concluding section of the paper (starting from line 937) to outlining potential avenues for future research. Based on the limitations of our study, we suggest that future research could explore the application of Scenario-driven roadmapping or Advanced Technology Roadmap Architecture to more accurately predict and facilitate the commercialization of eVTOL and similar technologies. This suggestion is also alluded to in the preceding discussion (starting from line 886).
