QNX Research Reveals Regulatory Pressure and Development Bottlenecks Are Stalling SDV Progress
Global study of 1,100 automotive software developers highlights urgent need for scalable platforms, stronger cross-sector collaboration, and a rethinking of OEM software strategies
Key Findings from “Under the Hood: The SDV Developer Report”:
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58% say recent software recalls have significantly changed their approach to development
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80% say automakers should focus more on application-layer innovation versus software infrastructure
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91% expect AI to play a major role in software development in the near term and estimate it could replace 35% of current roles by 2035
WATERLOO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / October 14, 2025 / QNX, a division of BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB), today released a new global research study, Under the Hood: The SDV Developer Report, revealing how regulatory complexity and software recalls are reshaping software-defined vehicle (SDV) development.
The study, which surveyed 1,100 automotive software developers across North America, Europe, and Asia, highlights the growing strain of long development cycles, integration complexity, and the opportunity for OEMs to rethink their software strategies. A new episode of QNX’s Code the Future podcast, featuring Manuel Tagliavini of S&P Global Mobility, explores the findings in depth.
Regulatory Pressure and Software Recalls Reshape Development Priorities
Developers are navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. One-third (33%) report delayed timelines as a direct result of evolving compliance demands, perhaps unsurprising given that over 500 new regulations and legislative proposals affecting in-car technology were introduced globally in 2024. Among the most challenging areas for compliance are cybersecurity regulations, such as the Cyber Resilience Act, UNECE WP.29, and ISO/SAE 21434 (47%), software update and OTA mandates (40%), data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA (36%), and functional safety standards including ISO 26262 (36%). Pressure from failing to meet these standards is also reshaping development priorities – 58% of developers say recent software recalls have significantly changed their approach, with nearly 40% calling these changes “major.”
“Global regulatory frameworks are evolving, but not fast enough to match the pace of innovation,” said Manuel Tagliavini, Software Principal Analyst, Automotive Supply Chain & Technology at S&P Global Mobility. “OEMs should build resilience into development, realign internal organizations for software lifecycles, and – where appropriate – consider targeted collaborations to navigate compliance while maintaining speed and agility.”
