Product Management
Disruptive Innovation
What is disruptive innovation?
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Definition of disruptive innovation
Disruptive innovation is a term coined by Clayton M. Christensen, a Harvard Business School academic. It applies to any innovation that has the power to transform a particular product or solution or allow a totally novel product or solution to be created.
Video streaming is a great example, allowing Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Go, etc. to be developed.
Disruptive innovation can also be used to make existing products more accessible to a wider audience — the rise of Sony’s transistor radios, for example, which at a lower cost and smaller size opened up a market, leading to Walkmans, mp3 players, and eventually smartphone music apps!
General FAQ
What is disruptive innovation?
Disruptive innovation is a term applied to any type of innovation that manages to create a new market, industry, or business model strong enough to disrupt an existing one. They are typically less expensive and more accessible than established solutions.
What is an example of disruptive innovation?
One major example of disruptive innovation is the internet. While it had a slow start, the internet has revolutionized the way in which businesses operate, people manage their finances, workers earn a living, and much, much more.

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