A very difficult read (frequently helped me sleep at night) but so full of refreshing ideas!

Why do large firms fail to disrupt the market as compared to smaller ones? Clearly, they have all the resources - talent, capital and even the disruptive technology. Not to mention the fact that they are extremely customer focused. Yet, it is always the smaller 'start-ups' who create the disruption. As it turns out, it is the strengths of such large corporations which ultimately turn out to be their weaknesses in such situations. The book analyzes how resource dependence, performance oversupply, customer focus and the organization's processes and values act as barriers to disruption. It also provides measures to counter such failures through spins-offs or acquisitions. The best part is the sheer number of examples from different industries to prove each point.

While I was about to stop reading the book initially, I'm so happy that I completed it. I would definitely recommend it to people who want to learn about the dynamics of fast-evolving industries.

It took me a while to finish this book and had a hard time maintaining interest.

A good book, but a bit disappointing because totally centred upon business managing. I would like to see the discussion occurring at a lower level, the creative moment, before management decisions. Leave here the five principles stated by Clayton in the book. I generally agree with all of them, being the fifth one the most subjective.


"Principle #1: Companies Depend on Customers and Investors for Resources

Principle #2: Small Markets Don’t Solve the Growth Needs of Large Companies

Principle #3: Markets that Don’t Exist Can’t Be Analyzed

Principle #4: An Organization’s Capabilities Define Its Disabilities

Principle #5: Technology Supply May Not Equal Market Demand"

Traditional thinking that good decision making, right management skills and listening to customer has led many firms to failure, at the onset of disruptive innovation.

The book with its many examples across industries, presents what is innovator's dilemma and why they fail. It explains why the very nature of disruptive innovation and its proclivity to succeed in emerging market (only), cripples large firm even with their immense resources and expertise.

The book also provides the solution, based on extensive study of both success and failures, which can help managers better access and take right decision while tackling a disruptive innovation.

To an entrepreneur, it also gives a better understanding of disruptive innovation. Why, when and how it can capture the emerging market under the nose of big firms. The characteristics of such innovation identified in the book, lays down a firm foundation to help differentiate it from a sustaining innovation.

WORTH READING TWICE !!!! AND WORTH SPENDING MORE TIME TO RESEARCH FURTHER !!!!