Disruptive Innovation
Disruptive innovation is a business theory introduced by Clayton Christensen that describes how simpler, more affordable products or services can eventually displace established market leaders by initially targeting overlooked or underserved customer segments. It involves innovations that create new markets or value networks, often starting at the bottom of the market and gradually moving up to challenge incumbents. This concept is widely used in technology, business strategy, and entrepreneurship to analyze market dynamics and competitive threats.
Developers should understand disruptive innovation to anticipate industry shifts, identify opportunities for creating new products, and adapt their skills to emerging technologies that may disrupt existing markets. It's particularly relevant when working in startups, product management, or innovation roles, as it helps in designing solutions that can scale from niche applications to mainstream adoption. Knowledge of this concept aids in strategic decision-making and staying ahead in fast-evolving tech landscapes like cloud computing, AI, or blockchain.