What's Your Disruption Strategy?

This post by HBR's Scott Anthony got my attention in a big way. First, he talks about disruptive innovations in business which, as a card-carrying member of the Aras Community, is a topic near and dear to my heart. Ok, we don't really have cards, but we should. Then Anthony goes on to talk about Disruptive Trends to Watch in 2013. Could it get any better? Not for me.

To help established companies identify and respond accordingly to disruptors, Anthony offers some insight into the evolution of a disruptive innovation in true Clayton Christensen style:

1. Conception. When a disruptive idea is first born, typically far away from the market's mainstream. In these early days, there typically are a range of companies experimenting with a new model, fighting to figure out a sustainable business model.
2. Coming of age.When at least one of the would-be disruptors crosses from the fringes to more mainstream applications.
3. Crossing over. When the disruptor becomes the mainstream. Sometimes this shift results in the whole-sale replacement of the previous market leader; sometimes it creates a completely parallel market

I say, forget responding. This is the how-to guide for spotting OPPORTUNITY! Established companies should be watching these emerging innovators closely, developing relationships, and providing funding and other support early on in their development.

So, what are the "next big things" on the disruptive innovation front?

First up is 3-D Printing – a hot topic in our PLM / CAD world. According to Anthony, "As 3-D printers and associated business models continue to get cheaper and more powerful, new disruptive businesses are likely to occur that have the potential to up-end entire industries." Personally, I can't wait to see what happens here.

Next, The Internet of Things. Yeah, I didn't get it at first either, then Anthony used the Nest thermostat as an example and it clicked for me. I love my Nest. I can't remember the last time I got off my couch to adjust the temperature. Anthony's point is that "companies that offer home automation services are surging, and the decreasing cost of sensors coupled with the growing ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, and high-speed wireless Internet is enabling a raft of new applications."

Third on the list: Healthcare Business Models. I know, I know, we were having fun talking about technology. Hang tight, we still are. In this case, it's all about going mobile. "The growing ubiquity of mobile phones has led to highly innovative business models… Behavior tracking and modification devices have the potential to serve as powerful means to help with wellness and chronic disease management."

Let's face it, the game is changing. Fast. We've all heard the saying "great ideas – i.e. innovations – can come from anywhere". Sometimes they come from within your company and sometimes they come from places you'd never expect. Smart companies, and by that I mean the ones that will still be in business 5 or 10 years from now, are always on the lookout for opportunity, willing to embrace change and, most importantly, willing to invest in it.

Feeling inspired? Disruptive? Share your thoughts @aras_plm or in the comments below.