Business Quote by Clayton M. Christensen
“A disruptive innovation is a technologically simple innovation in the form of a product, service, or business model that takes root in a tier of the market that is unattractive to the established leaders in an industry.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton M. Christensen, 1997
A simple, low‑cost innovation can succeed by targeting market segments ignored by incumbents, eventually reshaping the industry.
In simple terms: Simple tech can win in ignored market niches.
Key Takeaway
Focus on underserved customers.
Themes
innovation
disruption
market entry
strategy
Mood
optimistic
strategic
Type
business
strategic
When to use this quote
- startup launch
- product rollout
- business model pivot
- entering new markets
- competing with incumbents
Key Concepts
disruptive innovation
value proposition
market segmentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify unattractive market segments?
- What barriers exist when scaling a disruptive product?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on scaling beyond the niche and overcoming incumbent response.
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