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Responding to the Innovator's Dilemma

Your current profitable products kill your future innovations. This exercise spins off an innovation unit before too late.

90 min Advanced

Goal

Beat the classic trap: successful company refuses low-margin innovation, later defeated by it (Kodak, Blockbuster, Nokia).

Steps

1

Identify most-profitable product now. Write margin + revenue. The "winner".

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Expected Outcome

Immediate

Exec team realizes substitute may threaten 50%+ of revenue in 5 yrs. Disturbing but life-saving awareness.

Evidence base

School: Disruptive Innovation

Founders: Clayton Christensen (1997)

"The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen (Harvard) 1997. One of century's most influential strategy books. Studied 100+ industries.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Responding to the Innovator's Dilemma" take?

This exercise takes about 90 minutes, practiced in a group in a Written reflection format.

When will I notice the effect of "Responding to the Innovator's Dilemma"?

Exec team realizes substitute may threaten 50%+ of revenue in 5 yrs. Disturbing but life-saving awareness. In the short term: Within 6 months, Skunkworks unit launches MVP. Learning starts without threatening main product.

Is "Responding to the Innovator's Dilemma" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Disruptive Innovation (Clayton Christensen (1997)). "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen (Harvard) 1997. One of century's most influential strategy books. Studied 100+ industries.

Is "Responding to the Innovator's Dilemma" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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