What is Disruptive Innovation Exactly? Definition

What is Disruptive Innovation Exactly? Definition

A "definition" of Disruptive Innovation that's frequently quoted is one which is located on Christensen's website. It reads:
"DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION describes a process by which a product or service takes root initially in simple applications at the bottom of a market and then relentlessly moves up market, eventually displacing established competitors".
So then here is my concern. We know that not every "product or service that takes root initially in simple applications at the bottom of a market" is a disruptive innovation, since there are a great number of products which occupy niches in which it appears they will remain for eternity without becoming the dominant means to accomplish (what is many times) the same function as that served by the more expensive product.

Therefore the defining term of Christensen's definition must be in "relentlessly moves up market, eventually displacing established competitors". But isn’t the objective of all innovation, and particularly of sustaining (non-disruptive) innovation - e.g. to compete for and keep as much market share as possible on the basis of superior product and operational efficiencies?

So I take it then that while the conditions listed on Christensen's web page may be necessary for disruption, they are not sufficient.

What then ought we to suppose IS sufficient to differentiate Disruptive Innovation from all other innovation?
Or am I just interpreting this incorrectly?

		Comments Sort by date Sort by rating Rating
		2 Think Disruptive Business Consultant, United States
	Weaknesses in Christensen's 'Definition' of Disruptive Innovation What you describe as a "definition" really isn't. It's a gross simplification designed to capture th... Sign up

		3 Rick Mueller Professor, United States
	Pehaps the Weakness is in our Interpretation? OK, so it's taken that when looking at Christensen's web site's criterion there are some instances o... Sign up

		1 Think Disruptive Business Consultant, United States
	No, the Weakness Isn't in Interpretation; It's in an Unusable 'Definition' No, that sort of supposition is exactly like Tim Hunt blaming female scientists for being distractin... Sign up

		0 Rick Mueller Professor, United States
	Any Examples (even One)? On the basis of your suggestion I'm trying to think of even one niche product that simultaneously fu... Sign up

		1 Francisco Encarnado Management Consultant, Philippines
	What Disruptive Innovation Means In my own understanding, the term "disruptive" is something that cause trouble to an existing... Sign up