Tech for Non-Techies
203. Why do great companies fail? Innovator's Dilemma part 1
May 15, 2024
Clayton M. Christensen, the mastermind behind the term 'disruptive innovation,' explores why giants like Kodak and Blockbuster faltered in the digital age. He reveals that successful companies can be blindsided by disruptive startups, often ignoring emerging threats. Listeners learn why prioritizing customer feedback can backfire and how low-budget startups can outmaneuver established firms. Utilizing case studies, Christensen emphasizes the urgent need for adaptability in business strategy to avoid falling victim to the very innovations they once led.
19:11
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Quick takeaways
- Successful companies often focus on existing customer needs, causing them to overlook emerging disruptive technologies until it's too late.
- Established firms' risk aversion and reliance on quantifiable data hinder their ability to adapt to disruptive innovations from startups.
Deep dives
The Innovator's Dilemma Explained
The concept of the Innovator's Dilemma illustrates that successful companies can fail despite doing everything right. This phenomenon occurs when established firms focus on their best customers and ignore emerging technologies that initially cater to lower-end market segments. An example is Airbnb, which started by providing budget accommodation options. Major hotel chains, such as Marriott, dismissed this model because their top-tier clientele did not show interest, failing to recognize the potential shift in market dynamics until it was too late.
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