Challenges in top-down and bottom-up agile transformation: a cross-case analysis in the mechatronic product development

Agility has become a buzzword within many organizations, finding applications not only in
software development but also in mechatronic product development. Agile transformation – the
process of introducing and scaling agile practices – is usually initiated in one of the two ways:
bottom-up or top-down, which has been scarcely documented in the existing literature.
Specficially, there is lack of of an overview of challenges that arise with each of the approaches.
We explore the challenges in bottom-up and top-down agile transformation approaches in
mechatronic product development through two case studies in European companies. Based on
18 interviews with participants and drivers of agile transformation we identify known and new
challenges that these companies face. Specifically, we highlight the role middle management
and establishing a common purpose play.