Clayton Christensen: Disruptive innovation

In the first of his lectures for Saïd Business School, Clayton Christensen explains his theory of disruption, drawing on examples of innovations occurring in the steel industry and from leading companies such as Toyota, Sony, Walmart and Indian refrigerator manufacturer, Godrej. Christensen explores how the theory can explain why the economies of America, England and Japan have stagnated. He also uses the theory to analyse how economies in Asia have achieved prosperity and to examine why countries such as Mexico are not experiencing economic growth.

[noasswa]

We shall greatly miss you Professor Clayton Christensen. Rest in peace great thinker

[lukepelletier]

39:52 just want to earmark this incredible prediction. christiansen notes that in about 10 years' time (2023) equipping populations to be better employed, specialized, and "more capable" will be the main value point that firms recognize and chase. it's amazing to see the change in the tune that firms sing now about building better relationships with employees and employee empowerment as being competitive qualities. truly marvelous mind at work here, folks

[dogriffiths]

If this bloke had lived longer, his theory would surely have gotten him a Nobel Prize for Economics

[jlogbusiness]

I was there. Literally changed the trajectory of my career.

[ManuAnand]

"Have I told this story before" at 11 minutes cracked me up :)

[senthilkuppuswamy]

Sheer brilliance!!!! Prof CC, exudes grace and empathy not to mention very sharp and focused intelligence. Glad that the lecture is out there for us mortal humans to view and enjoy. Thank you Said and Harvard.

[sylviabb]

Brilliant, just discovered you this week. Thank God for your life

[Uhmu]

Many others have come to the same conclusion why growth has slowed but usually they explain it away as us being more and more risk averse. The problem is that it's hard to cure risk aversion, but we can reverse false rational conclusions that lead us into a corner, that's why Christensen's explanation is so much better.

[JohnDoe-weyk]

One thing common between the two top growing economies (INDIA & CHINA) is CHEAP SKILLED LABOUR by the boat load. All our manufacturing went to China and IT (information technology) to India. In India it started with the CALL CENTRES where an employee worked for $15 a day where as in the states it was $8 an hour n up. Next was so called software engineers who were nothing but BUTTON PUSHERS. And this particular field still dominates in the H1 B visa war where Indian rank the highest. Why ? They are CHEAP really this leads to a domino effect making India and China grow n states off course there is a lot more

[RUSSLANDfuerIMMER]

What an amazing lecture! What competence and gosh, what a sense of humor! RIP, Professor :(

[NatHarward]

I think what's happening in what he's saying about countries is that beyond politically drawn boundaries, there are economic boundaries around epicenters of innovation. The U.S. has treated Mexico like it's inside the same economic boundary, so they are way too connected us to look for innovation in their own midst.

[itssimplyjeff]

protip: watch on 1.5 speed or 2x speed.

[wassilahowes]

Brilliant lecture! Cherishing the investment of People and their Development is to be 'husbanded' smart & tight!!...

I wonder what would be the 'Disruption' element(s) which have been keeping some regions of the world in a 'sustainable' vicious circle of 'efficient' turmoil & poverty?...Undervalued 'Domestic Economy' perhaps??  

Many are benefitting with plenty of 'Capital' at 'no costs'!!...Except of course the 'Human Cost' ....which for some has 0=cost!!!...with more and more people in a growing state of deeper and deeper destitution & desperation, driven by more and more greed & unethical actions...

'Disruption' seems to be driving the 'Theory of Prosperity' for some when 'chaos' and 'stagnation' are maintained 'efficiently' for others... An ongoing 'depressing' situation leading to more 'correlative' as much as 'causal' to current 'crisis' in many regions:( 

Maybe a better state of 'Equilibrium' can be explored where 'disruption' does not exist and the 'Theory of Prosperity' is sustained efficiently for all through common sense, shared values, fair trade, fair barter, fair dealing... and no greed involved at all. 
 

[seangrace]

Fantastic. Not just the information, but the delivery. Thank you.

[wieauchimmer]

this is fantastic! i study informational science and find this spectacular!

[doftwins]

The story between the integrated mill industry and the mini mills sounds just like a fairy tale to me. At least it has some of the tone or climax I recognize. :D
Anyone else had that thought?

[MathiasKryspinSrensen]

Very recommendable lecture on how disruptive innovation is a true job creator. Highly relevant for policy makers and businesses aiming at job creation and growth strategies respectively. 

[on_it]

AMAZING! THANKS SO MUCH I COULD LISTEN ALL DAY! THank you Clayton! God Bless

[JonathanMarks]

I work in broadcasting - nowhere has the small disruptive team done more to totally change the face of what is made for audiences these days. I guess both authors will do well from the attention these articles are getting. But, in my experience, only those who practice disruptive thinking survive. But the disruptive period is limited. Toyota, Sony, Walmart and Godrej are no longer the disruptors. So they have become vulnerable in the long term themselves.

[gmtzc]

Interesting slide at 40:14 "The evolved model of venture capital"