In "The Innovator's Dilemma," Clayton Christensen examines why successful companies often struggle to adapt to disruptive technologies. He argues that these firms become so focused on improving their existing products for their current customers that they overlook emerging innovations that can eventually surpass their offerings. This dilemma leads to missed opportunities and, ultimately, failure in the face of new market entrants that provide different value propositions.
The book highlights that established organizations must navigate the balance between sustaining innovations, which enhance current products, and disruptive innovations, which can create new markets. Christensen provides various case studies, showing how industry leaders have fallen behind when they failed to invest in breakthrough technologies that did not initially appeal to their core customer base.
Additionally, Christensen presents strategies for businesses to foster a culture that embraces innovation and allows them to explore disruptive potentials. By understanding the dynamics of technological change, companies can better position themselves to adapt and thrive, turning potential threats into opportunities for growth.
