What Are Disruptive Technologies?

Disruptive technologies are innovations that significantly alter, dismantle, or “disrupt” existing industries, business models, or market structures. Rather than being the “next phase” in a series of improvements, disruptive technologies are best understood as game-changing innovations that fundamentally change how products or services are delivered, creating new value propositions. Understanding the dynamics of disruptive innovation is crucial for businesses to adapt, stay competitive, and seize opportunities presented by these technological shifts. These technologies provide new and sometimes simpler or more affordable solutions to previously perceived complex ideas. They often start on a small scale and gain momentum and popularity as they become more common and mainstream.

In What Are Disruptive Technologies? you’ll learn about common disruptive technologies and their characteristics. We will discuss two primary forms of disruption and factors that influence the adoption and diffusion of disruptive technologies. You’ll also learn about emerging technologies and how they are set to revolutionize industry and society.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the maturation of disruptive technologies
• Learn how disruptive technologies reshape industries
• Understand the Diffusion of Innovation theory