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Disruptive Technology: What It Is and 10 Examples

These innovations have the power to not only transform the way of business, but how we go about our everyday lives.

Disruptive technology refers to innovation that upends traditional methods of industry, creating new markets that change the way consumers and companies operate. Like the first smartphone or today’s online streaming platforms, these goods and services introduce novel approaches, ideas or solutions that challenge the status quo. They hold the potential to completely overturn existing business models and entirely reshape industries.

What Is Disruptive Technology?

Disruptive technology refers to novel innovations that transform an industry’s landscape, either serving overlooked customers within existing markets or creating new markets entirely.

Disruptive technology, or disruptive innovation, is any innovation that has significant impact on consumer, company and industry behavior, to the point of generating new markets, transforming conventional business operations and sometimes displacing established markets altogether. When a disruptive technology replaces an existing industry system or staple, this is due to it being considered as higher quality, more efficient or of greater value to customers than current innovations. Disruptive technology often emerges from risk-taking companies looking to target new markets and fulfill unmet needs within certain industries.

The term ‘disruptive technology’ was coined by professor Clayton Christensen in a 1995 Harvard Business Review article , identifying it as a strategy by which small startups could eventually displace major players by serving overlooked consumers and their needs. Once these entrants move upmarket and gain mainstream adoption, established companies must adapt to compete, or risk shuttering completely.

“Disruptive technologies bring about substantial change, rendering previous methods or technologies obsolete,” Iu Ayala Portella, CEO and founder at Gradient Insight , a data science consultancy that specializes in artificial intelligence , told Built In. “Incumbents often scramble to catch up, and new entrants emerge,” he said, noting that the shift in market leadership can lead to regulatory changes, ethical discussions and even prompt changes in consumer behavior.

Related Reading Is Your Industry Primed for Disruption? Study Weak Signals to See It First.

10 Examples of Disruptive Technology 

Without going as far back as the wheel, the following list includes the latest innovations that are changing the game.  

1. Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that uses generative models to create content. Using massive amounts of data, these machines learn how to generate new content — spanning text, images, audio and video — by way of complex algorithms and neural networks . By identifying patterns and structures from an existing data set, these systems are able to answer prompts inputted by a user, predicting one word or pixel at a time.

Why it’s disruptive:  Generative AI bots create content , music , art , trade stocks and perform administrative tasks . Industries that rely on manual, time-consuming creative work — like graphic design or writing — may be under fire; however, computer programmers, research analysts, paralegals and financial traders aren’t exactly safe either .  Generative AI offers unprecedented levels of personalized content delivery and does so at scale with nearly instant turnaround times. Despite ethical concerns around authorship and originality, generative AI content has been embraced by global press organizations and used to train facial recognition technology .

Related Reading AI as a Service Will Disrupt Everything. Is Your Business Ready?

2. Edge Computing

Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings data processing and analysis closer to where it's generated, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers.

Why it’s disruptive:  By processing data right at the “edge” (closer to where it’s needed), edge computing reduces latency, which is crucial for applications that operate in real-time, like autonomous vehicles and augmented reality. Edge computing has a wide reach, as it is applicable to any sector that handles data or data analysis.

For example, edge computing allows for real-time patient monitoring in healthcare, making data more immediate and accessible. In manufacturing, it improves automation and quality control by minimizing delays. It’s also playing a significant role in the development of smart cities , where it manages traffic, security, utilities and the distribution of energy in smart grids. In tandem with AI, edge computing enables the real-time processing required for tasks like facial recognition, language processing and object detection.

3. Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality

While virtual reality is a fully immersive, computer-generated and interactive digital environment that simulates the experience of being in a totally different place, augmented reality simply overlays real-world surroundings with a sort of digital filter. And, as you may have guessed, mixed reality is a blend of the two. These digitized experiences are typically delivered through a device, like a wearable headset, glasses or smartphone, and have developed beyond the game room.

Why it’s disruptive:  When training, these immersive tools can help healthcare professionals practice complex surgical procedures via a digital test run or foster empathy by virtually experiencing a patient’s symptoms. In retail , stores like IKEA and Sephora are using AR apps to help customers visualize furniture or test makeup virtually before making a purchase. This same tactic is being used in design, real estate and architecture, where clients may walk through digital, 3D models before breaking ground, and in education , bringing interactive textbooks and educational apps to life with immersive, virtual lessons and field trips that are more engaging, and can improve retention rates among students.

4. Blockchain

Blockchain is a public, digital ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent way, making it virtually tamper-proof. By using a peer-to-peer network, the decentralized system removes the need for intermediaries, like banks or notaries, and enables people to transact directly with one another. Blockchain is reimagining how data is stored, verified and transferred — making it a useful application across various industries.

Why it’s disruptive:  In the financial sector, blockchain authenticates faster and cheaper cross-border payments while reducing the risk of fraud. And industries like supply chain management use blockchain to ensure validity and traceability of products , while the healthcare sector uses it to encrypt and safely transfer patients’ medical records and track the outbreak of diseases.

5. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things , or IoT, refers to a digitally connected network of smart devices. These items, like your Alexa or smart TV, are embedded with sensors, software and connectivity, which is how they collect and exchange data over the internet.

Why it’s disruptive:  IoT’s role in transforming industries has to do with collecting, analyzing and utilizing data from a multitude of devices and sensors that fosters greater automation and efficiency. In agriculture, IoT redefines farming practices with smart sensors that monitor soil conditions, weather, and crop health, leading to more sustainable and productive farming. Smart cities use IoT to enhance urban planning, managing resources more efficiently, and improving public services, all while reducing the environmental footprint. And from healthcare with wearable devices and remote patient monitoring to logistics with real-time asset tracking, IoT is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with our environment.

6. Robotics

Robotics is where engineering and science meet to design, construct and apply mechanical robots. These programmable machines are typically equipped with sensors, artificial intelligence and capable of autonomously carrying out tasks.

Why it’s disruptive:  The power of robotics as a disruptive technology is in its ability to produce mechanized systems that can consistently and precisely perform dangerous tasks. Employing a robot in place of a human alleviates safety concerns, boosts productivity and efficiency while cutting labor costs.

Today, industrial robotics have stepped onto assembly lines while others assist in surgical operating rooms , making procedures more precise and less invasive. Robot bees have supplemented waning bee populations, helping pollinate crops and monitor hive health, while social robots aid social-emotional learning, provide customer service and general companionship. Other models explore space , offering a cheaper, safer and more efficient substitute to human-led missions.

7. Green Tech

Green tech , short for green technology, is a diverse set of innovations and practices aiming to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. Also known as cleantech, its goal is to curb or reverse the effects of human activity on the planet through things like carbon emission reduction, electric alternatives or responsible waste disposal.

Why it’s disruptive:  Green tech, poised to surpass $61 billion by 2030 , qualifies as a disruptor since it challenges established norms, unveiling new opportunities for business and industry as the byproduct of a transition to cleaner alternatives. The eco-conscious shift is supported by both a global demand for ethical consumption as well as a widespread regulatory framework combating climate change.

One example of green tech in action is in vertical farming , an indoor, tech-assisted alternative to farming that produces crops in a stacked fashion as to reduce water use or the need for vast tracts of land. While combating air pollution with zero tailpipe emissions, electric cars are agitating conventional automotive companies to figure out how to stay competitive as more resources pour into longer-lasting batteries and implementing charging infrastructure .

8. 3D Printing

3D printing is a process that uses specialized equipment to create physical objects from a digital file, one thin layer at a time. This additive manufacturing method provides a pathway to rapid and cost-effective prototyping, allowing designers and engineers to physically render one-of-a-kind concepts via computer-generated designs.

Why it’s disruptive:  In the medical field , 3D printing has made custom prosthetics, implants and even organs a reality, enhancing patient care and outcomes. Industries like aerospace and automotive benefit from 3D printing's ability to craft lightweight and complex parts, improving fuel efficiency and performance. (It’s even built a rocket from scratch .) The food industry is testing out ways in which it can apply 3D printing for aesthetics, automation and sustainable purposes, while construction startups use this tech to build housing with little human oversight and in record times. At large, 3D printing is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, giving rise to decentralized and on-demand production, which reduces waste, lowers costs and undercuts traditional supply chain flows.

5G, the fifth generation of wireless technology, is the latest standard for mobile communication and connectivity. It’s a leap forward in terms of data speeds, latency, network capacity and connectivity compared to its predecessor, 4G, performing 100 times faster on average and peaking at 20 gigabits per second. Being able to transmit data at incredibly high speeds, with low delays, means that more devices can connect to a network simultaneously without error.

Why it’s disruptive:  This level of instantaneous connectivity will fundamentally change the way we communicate, both with each other and with technology, and set the stage for large-scale disruption across various sectors. In healthcare, 5G delivers fast and stable connections to support telemedicine , allowing doctors to perform remote surgeries and share medical data in real-time. Autonomous vehicles and smart cities rely on 5G’s low latency and high bandwidth to provide instantaneous communication between its sensors and the surrounding environment in order to execute urgent decision-making and respond to unpredictable circumstances or behaviors.

10. ‘As-a-service’ Models

‘As-a-service’ models refer to a paradigm shift in how products and services are delivered, where instead of traditional ownership, you access them on-demand, often through subscription-based or pay-as-you-go schemes. Cloud computing, connectivity and application programming interfaces — which allow different software systems to interact — make ‘as-a-service’ platforms possible.

Why it’s disruptive:  No longer bogged down by closed systems and hardware, this disruptor creates ease and flexibility in the ways brands do business and how a customer experiences a product or service.

For example, in the software industry, software-as-a-service (SaaS) alters how businesses use and pay for software, reducing upfront costs and increasing accessibility. Other players in the tech sector now offer infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), where companies can outsource their IT infrastructure, alleviating data storage and cloud computing pain points. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is another cloud-based service that lets developers focus on coding, while the platform manages the rest. Other iterations include data-as-a-service (DaaS), which leverages data sets for decision making, and knowledge-as-a-service (KaaS), which delivers data, information and experts on demand.

Related Reading How I Used Economic Theory at Spotify to Disrupt the Music Business

Advantages of Disruptive Technology

Disruptive technologies are often creative solutions to age-old problems. They’re smarter than what’s readily available and benefit both the company and consumer in the following ways.  

1. Innovative

By definition, disruptive technologies change the game. The term is reserved for breakthrough products, services and solutions that fundamentally change the way in which one or several industries operate; take, for example, how we can gather information on the internet instead of from libraries or newspapers, or how we can watch shows on streaming services rather than cable television. 

2. Accessible

When undercutting existing markets, it’s important to launch a product or service that’s easily accessible to the masses. Attracting a sizable audience is a common feature of a disruptive tech, as they often hold cross-sectional appeal.

“[Disruptive technology] democratizes access to capabilities that were once exclusive, making advanced technology available to a broader audience,” Portella said. “This often involves reducing costs or simplifying complex processes.”

3. Efficient

If a product or service is enough to invert an industry for good, then it must be more than just a better mousetrap. Disruptive tech often involves automation, streamlined workflows, real-time capabilities and data-driven decision making, resulting in increased productivity and, oftentimes, new markets.

4. Affordable

Disruptive technologies sometimes devastate incumbents by offering high value products at low costs. When Google and Apple launched their respective maps apps at no cost to the user, a service that now comes preloaded on any smartphone or built into newer vehicle models, this was a devastating blow to stand-alone navigational systems, like the TomTom or Garmin devices.

Disadvantages of Disruptive Technology

Disruptive technology resets the standard and any new infrastructure is built around it. The downside to such drastic change, though, is that not everyone is equipped to make it through.  

1. Uncertainty

It may take a while for certain innovations to be recognized as true disruptors, as the risk may not seem worth it in the beginning for early-round investors . It may even take decades . And, while some ideas may seem brilliant at first, even reaching mainstream status soon after launch, there is no guarantee it’ll last long. The next disruptor may be just around the corner.

“In my experience, skepticism is one of the most common events to unfold after a disruptive technology emerges,” said Cesar Johnston, CEO at Energous , a semiconductor company powering wireless IoT tech. After the skeptics are dealt with, the next hurdle is educating the market about your product and why it’s needed. “After that, one of two things can happen: acceptance or hesitation.”

2. Job Loss

As disruptors rise, sustaining technology and the businesses that back them may falter — in lieu of a successful pivot. Right now, the biggest threat is artificial intelligence. According to a global job loss report , United States-based employers cut 80,000 jobs in May 2023. Of that total, 4,000 of them were replaced by artificial intelligence.

And this may only be the tip of the iceberg. In a March 2023 report, investment firm Goldman Sachs predicted that generative AI has the potential to eliminate 300 million full-time jobs worldwide — about one-fourth of the entire workforce. 

3. Resistance to Change

Even if innovative technology seemingly hits all the right marks, it may still be faced with a wall of resistance barricading them from truly becoming a disruptor. Today, virtual and mixed reality systems are all the rage; however, early iterations of them, like Google Glass, flopped due to timing and steep price points , despite being poised as market disruptors.

“One major disadvantage of disruptive technologies is that adoption can be hindered by industries that have been accustomed to operating a certain way for the past decade or more,” Johnston said. “When certain industries are stagnant and do not evolve at the same rate as the rest of society, this can create a delay in new tech being created and incorporated.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is disruptive technology.

Disruptive technology refers to novel innovations that serve overlooked customers within existing markets or create entirely new markets, which allows them to eventually displace established companies.

Why is disruptive technology good?

Disruptive technologies transform sectors, create new markets and more enjoyable user experiences. These novel goods and solutions challenge the status quo, and are accessible, affordable and efficient.

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ChatGPT and How AI Disrupts Industries

• Ajay Agrawal,
• Joshua Gans,
• Avi Goldfarb

A look back at the taxi business illustrates what OpenAI’s newest model might mean for creative work.

ChatGPT, from OpenAI, shows the power of AI to take on tasks traditionally associated with “knowledge work.” But the future won’t just involve tasks shifting from humans to machines. When technology enables more people to complete a task, with help from a machine, the result is typically entirely new systems with new business models and jobs and workflows. AI will be no different: To truly unlock the potential of ChatGPT, the world will need new and different kinds of organizations.

Late last month, OpenAI released ChatGPT, a new AI tool that can tell stories and write code. It has the potential to take over certain roles traditionally held by humans, such as copywriting, answering customer service inquiries, writing news reports, and creating legal documents. As AI continues to improve, more and more current jobs will be threatened by automation. But AI presents opportunities as well and will create new jobs and different kinds of organizations. The question isn’t whether AI will be good enough to take on more cognitive tasks but rather how we’ll adapt. Nobel prize winner Daniel Kahneman is the world’s leading expert in human judgment and spent a lifetime documenting its shortcomings. Yes, AI may have flaws, but human reasoning is deeply flawed, too. Therefore, “Clearly AI is going to win,” Kahneman remarked in 2021 . “How people adjust is a fascinating problem.”  

• Ajay Agrawal is the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. He is the founder of the Creative Destruction Lab, founder of Metaverse Mind Lab, co-founder of NEXT Canada, and co-founder of Sanctuary. He is also a co-author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022).
• Joshua Gans is the Jeffrey S. Skoll Chair in Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and the chief economist at the Creative Destruction Lab. He is a co-author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022).
• Avi Goldfarb is the Rotman Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is also the chief data scientist at the Creative Destruction Lab and a co-author of Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022).

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18 Disruptive Innovation Examples 2023

Published: 10 July, 2023

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Disruptive Innovation

In the dynamic landscape of business, building a distinctive brand that withstands the test of time often requires more than just finding your place in the current market. It entails discovering entirely new avenues to achieve profitability. To assist you in embarking on your path to disruptive innovation in 2023, we have curated a selection of updated examples that showcase companies revolutionizing their industries.

These companies have successfully transformed their respective industries, offering valuable insights into how you can position your brand or business for long-term success. By studying these examples of disruptive innovation companies, you can gain inspiration and strategic guidance to propel your brand towards innovation and market leadership.

But before we proceed, let us take a closer look at what disruptive innovation is.

What Is Disruptive Innovation?

Disruptive innovation, in the context of 2023, refers to the introduction of a product or service into an established industry that surpasses existing offerings in terms of performance and often comes at a lower cost . Such a company eventually transforms the market and changes the way successful businesses operate.

This innovation strategy typically involves making highly sophisticated and expensive products or services initially accessible only to high-income consumers more affordable and available to a broader consumer base. Through this transformation and innovation, the market is disrupted as established and longstanding competitors are displaced.

Disruptive innovation does not involve simply improving or enhancing products and services for the same target consumers. Instead, it is a transformative process that utilizes technologies to make previously costly or advanced products and services accessible and affordable to a larger, untapped market. A prime illustration of disruptive innovation can be observed in the advent of music downloads, which replaced traditional compact discs (CDs).

When considering growth, many organizations primarily focus on revenue. However, the revenue model is just one aspect of the equation. Attaining an “unfair advantage ” and establishing an operational, value proposition-oriented, service-driven, and experiential model are equally crucial elements to consider. The UNITE Business Model Innovation Patterns offer a means to accelerate or even achieve exponential growth by incorporating a distinctive set of patterns into your business model. You can download it now.

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You can now access the complete Business Model Innovation Patterns Package, including a full presentation, related models and instructions for use.

The UNITE Business Model Innovation Patterns

The importance of business model innovation in the context of disruptive innovation:

• Diverse Growth Factors: Beyond revenue, innovation focuses on an array of growth drivers.
• Unfair Advantage: Identifying unique strengths creates a competitive edge.
• Efficiency Matters: Streamlined operations drive sustainable growth.
• Customer-Centricity: Meeting customer needs is vital for attracting and retaining clients.
• Service Excellence: Exceptional service builds strong customer relationships.
• Experience Matters: Positive user experiences enhance brand loyalty.
• Disruptive Potential: Business model innovation can disrupt industries.
• Agility and Adaptation: It fosters flexibility in dynamic markets.
• Sustainability: Traditional models may hinder long-term growth.
• Competitive Edge: It goes beyond products, setting businesses apart.

Related: The UNITE Business Model Innovation Patterns

How does Disruptive Innovation Work?

When a new brand identifies an industry gap or an overlooked segment of the population and develops an improved, affordable, and convenient product or service catering to previously ignored consumers.

This step-by-step explanation highlights the key stages of disruptive innovation and emphasizes the factors that contribute to its success.

(1) Identifying a market gap:

Disruptive innovations arise when entrepreneurs recognize unmet needs within a specific market. For instance, the growing demand for sustainable transportation options led to the emergence of electric vehicles as a response to this market gap.

(2) Introducing a new product or technology:

The next step involves introducing a novel product or technology that addresses the identified market gap. Initially, these offerings may be less refined or functional compared to existing alternatives, but they provide a solution to the unmet needs

(3) Gaining traction:

As the new product or technology gains traction, it starts to disrupt the existing market and value network. Customers gradually transition from traditional products to the innovative offerings, driving their increased popularity and adoption.

(4) Disrupting the existing market:

With more customers embracing the new product or technology, the established market experiences the impact of this disruption. Incumbent players may face difficulties in competing and may need to adapt to avoid risking losing market share.

(5) Creating a new market:

Over time, the new product or technology becomes the new standard, completely transforming the existing market. This process leads to the creation of a fresh market and value network, with the innovative product or technology at its core.

Disruptive innovation views less profitable spaces as the entrance point to gaining a foothold in the industry. Then, through continuous innovation and improvement, these companies can break even in the wider competitive market. Usually equipped with better products and services and an understanding of customer experience , the company can displace other established brands from the market.

Related: https://digitalleadership.com/blog/jobs-to-be-done/

These established brands tend to make the initial mistake of overlooking the strategy and approach of the new entrant, and before they know it, they are displaced for good.

Requirements for Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive innovation necessitates access to overlooked markets and trans-formative technology capable of making products more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the network of partners, including suppliers, contractors, and distributors, must benefit from the new disruptive business model. Key requirements include:

Enabling Technology: Enabling technology refers to innovations that significantly enhance processes or change how things are done in business. Specifically in the context of disruptive innovation, enabling technology is the technology or innovation that enables a product to be affordable and available to a broader market. The speed of market disruption depends on the rapid development and improvement of this technology, although disruption’s success cannot be solely measured by speed.

Innovative Business Model: An innovative business model targets new or underserved customer segments through innovative approaches. These segments typically do not generate substantial profits for established companies, as they may not be able to afford the offerings or find them too sophisticated. The disruptive business model, characterized by initial low-profit margins, aims to provide easy-to-use and cost-effective solutions.

Coherent Value Network: The coherent value network involves upstream and downstream business partners who benefit from a successful disruption. Distributors, suppliers, and vendors may need to adapt or reorganize their processes to align with the new business model. To prevent failure, network members must embrace and align with the disruptive business model. Failure to do so would result in undesirable outcomes due to the inconsistency with the goal of disruption.

Disruptive Innovation vs. Sustaining Innovation

Disruptive innovation simplifies and makes products and services more affordable for overlooked or underserved markets. Established companies primarily focus on improving their offerings for their profitable customer base, neglecting the needs of untapped segments. This creates an opportunity for smaller or new companies to target these overlooked populations with simpler and more affordable alternatives.

In contrast, sustaining innovation involves continuous improvements to existing products and services based on customer or market demands. It aims to remain competitive and relevant within the existing customer base. For example, CD makers developing scratch-resistant discs with larger music capacities represent sustaining innovation, while a company introducing digital downloads that render CDs obsolete signifies disruptive innovation.

18 Examples of Successful Disruptive Innovations

IBM, (International Business Machines Company) a United States-based multinational technology company, has solidified its position as a disruptive brand through its innovative computer hardware and advanced technology solutions. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional products, IBM has emerged as a global leader in mainframe computers and nanotechnology.

The Disruptive Innovation of the IBM Brand

IBM’s disruptive innovations include the development of Watson , an advanced technology in machine learning and artificial intelligence . Watson has revolutionized data processing and analysis, driving innovation across industries. IBM has also played a significant role in space exploration, assisting NASA in tracking orbital technology flights. Furthermore, the company’s contributions to creating the first computing machine globally and its involvement in developing the first universal product code and barcode reader highlight its disruptive impact on technology. Indeed, without IBM’s disruptive innovation, we would not have recorded tremendous success in innovative technology as we have today.

2- General Electric

General Electric (GE) is a disruptive innovation company that has made significant contributions to various industries. Founded in 1892, GE pioneered advancements such as the establishment of the first Radio Corporation, electric motor technology, and lighting fixtures. Their innovations, including the creation of aircraft turbo-superchargers and advancements in power generation, have reshaped the way we communicate, illuminate, and travel.

The research conducted by renowned scientists like Thomas Edison and Michael Faraday has played a crucial role in GE’s success. Without GE’s disruptive innovations, our world would lack the electrified and modern advancements that have become integral to our daily lives.

General Electric (GE), a Connecticut-based multinational conglomerate, is a prime example of a disruptive innovation company. It revolutionized various industries through groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of the first Radio Corporation in 1919 and leadership in electric motor development, lamp manufacturing, and lighting fixtures.

GE’s contributions have been instrumental in driving innovation and transforming industries. is also one of the best disruptive innovation examples . It is an American multinational conglomerate based in Connecticut.

The Disruptive Innovation of t he General Electric Brand

It has been a disruptive company in shaping the technological landscape. It played a crucial role in establishing international radio stations, manufacturing radio sets, and conducting the first TV broadcast demonstration. GE’s technical expertise extended to power generation , with the creation of the first aircraft turbo-superchargers that laid the foundation for jet engines.

The innovative technologies of GE owe much to the pioneering research of scientists like Thomas Edison and Michael Faraday , whose discoveries in electricity were instrumental. However, the impact of General Electric’s t echnology and innovation cannot be understated. Before the innovation of General Electric, we didn’t have the electrified, brightly lit, and modern world we have today.

3- Ford Motors

Ford Motor Company, although not responsible for the creation/manufacturing of the world’s first car, made a significant impact on the automobile industry through its disruptive innovation. In 1913, Ford introduced the world’s first moving assembly line, revolutionizing the manufacturing process and disrupting the industry for good. The disruptive innovation of Ford Motors

Ford’s innovative approach to mass production had a profound effect on automobile affordability and accessibility. Prior to Ford’s disruptive innovation, car ownership was limited to the high or royal classes due to the high production costs. However, with the introduction of the assembly line, Ford was able to streamline production, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. As a result, the average person could now afford to own a car, marking a significant shift in the automotive landscape.

F ord’s disruptive innovation transformed the automobile industry by democratizing car ownership and setting a new standard for manufacturing efficiency. The company’s approach not only influenced the accessibility of automobiles but also spurred economic growth and societal changes as cars became more widely available and affordable to the general public.

FedEx , a renowned logistics and delivery company, is recognized as a disruptive innovator that transformed the industry by introducing the concept of “express” mail delivery. Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx, played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way mail and packages were transported globally.

The Disruptive Innovation of the FedEx brand With a clear mission and vision, FedEx aimed to address the existing challenges and inefficiencies in shipping practices. Through strategic moves such as the acquisition of an aviation firm, FedEx overcame limitations and established itself as a leader in express mail delivery.

FedEx’s disruptive innovation stemmed from the determination of one individual to make a difference and challenge the status quo. This embodies the essence of disruptive brands, which often arise from individuals or companies that dare to go against conventional norms and push boundaries.

By introducing express mail delivery services, FedEx transformed the logistics industry, providing customers with faster and more reliable shipping options. This innovation not only improved the efficiency of global trade but also had a significant impact on e-commerce and supply chain management. FedEx’s disruptive approach set new standards for the industry and paved the way for other companies to follow suit in providing express delivery services. FedEx’s disruptive innovation became a reality because one man decided to beat all odds and make a difference. This is the  core value  of all disruptive brands.

Google, a leading technology company, has made a significant impact as a disruptive innovator in various domains. Initially known for its revolutionary search engine, Google transformed the way people access information by enabling users to find answers to their queries with a simple click. Today, “Googling” has become synonymous with searching for information online. The Disruptive Innovation of the Google Brand

It extends beyond its search engine which made it possible for the world to find answers/solutions . Over the years, Google has continuously pioneered new technologies and innovations that have shaped various industries. One notable example is Google Maps , a groundbreaking mapping and navigation service. Google Maps revolutionized the way people navigate and explore the world by providing detailed maps, satellite imagery, real-time traffic updates, and turn-by-turn directions. With Google Maps, individuals can easily find the most efficient routes, discover nearby businesses and attractions, and explore new places with confidence. Google has ventured into the development of virtual assistants and smartphones, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into their products. The introduction of Google Assistant , powered by advanced algorithms and natural language processing, has transformed the way users interact with technology, enabling voice-activated commands and personalized assistance. In the developer space, Google provides IT experts with access to open-sourced technologies, empowering them to develop their own customized machine learning-powered applications. By fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation, Google has contributed to the growth and advancement of the developer community.

6-  Robinhood

RobiRobinhood is a fintech company known for its commission-free trading platform and user-friendly mobile app. They revolutionized the industry by eliminating fees and making investing more accessible. Their app offers a simplified trading experience, fractional shares, and social and educational features. The Disruptive Innovation of Robinhood

Robinhood has emerged as a disruptive innovator in the financial industry. By introducing a commission-free trading platform and a user-friendly mobile app, Robinhood has transformed the way people invest in stocks and other financial instruments. Their approach has made investing more accessible and affordable for a broader range of individuals, breaking down barriers such as high fees and minimum account balances. Additionally, Robinhood’s provision of fractional shares allows investors with limited funds to access high-priced stocks. Through these innovative features and their commitment to democratizing access to investing, Robinhood has challenged traditional financial institutions and empowered individual investors.

Walmart, the multinational retail corporation, has gained widespread recognition for its disruptive innovation in the retail industry. Starting as a small discount store in Arkansas, Walmart revolutionized the shopping experience and accessibility of products.

The Disruptive Innovation of Walmart the Brand

Walmart transformed the shopping experience by offering affordable prices, making it accessible to customers regardless of their location. One of Walmart’s key disruptive innovations was its commitment to everyday low prices. By streamlining supply chain management and negotiating favorable deals with suppliers, Walmart was able to pass on cost savings to customers, making products more affordable and accessible. Another aspect of Walmart’s disruptive innovation was its embrace of technology. The company made significant investments in advanced inventory management systems, data analytics, and supply chain optimization tools. By leveraging technology, Walmart enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improved the overall shopping experience.

Visa is a global payments technology company that enables electronic funds transfers and facilitates digital transactions. Introduced a disruptive innovation that transformed the way people conducted transactions. In 1958, the issuance of the first credit card by the Bank of America marked a radical shift in the way money was spent. Although initially limited to a $300 spending limit and restricted to California, this innovation paved the way for a new era of credit-based spending, eliminating the need for physical cash.

The Disruptive Technology of the Visa brand

Visa’s disruptive technology quickly gained global adoption. By 1974, Visa had expanded the reach of its innovative credit card technology. With a simple swipe or tap, Visa revolutionized the purchasing process, enabling instant payments and eliminating the need for cash. This convenient and secure method empowered individuals to make purchases anytime and anywhere, reshaping consumer behavior and facilitating global commerce. Today, Visa continues to drive financial innovation with contactless payments, mobile wallets, and digital transactions, solidifying its leadership and commitment to secure, seamless, and accessible payment solutions.

9- McDonald’s

McDonald’s, the global fast food giant, may not seem like a typical example of disruptive innovation, but the impact of McDonald’s innovations on the industry cannot be denied. Starting as a small burger joint in California, McDonald’s transformed the fast food landscape through its standardized assembly-line process and emphasis on speed. The introduction of a comprehensive menu, franchising model, and consistent customer experience revolutionized the way people perceived and consumed fast food. The Disruptive Innovation of McDonald’s Today, McDonald’s is recognized worldwide for its iconic golden arches and continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences with healthier menu options and digital innovations. McDonald’s disruptive innovation has shaped the fast food industry and set new standards for convenience, affordability, and global expansion.

10- Facebook

Undoubtedly, Facebook stands out as a prime example of a disruptive innovation company that revolutionized global communication. As one of the most disruptive brands in the online realm, Facebook has transformed the way people interact and connect through its diverse range of social media platforms.

The Disruptive Innovation of Facebook

Facebook, a prime example of disruptive innovation, has revolutionized global communication. Created by Mark Zuckerberg , Facebook initially aimed to simplify online connections among college students. However, its impact exceeded expectations, transcending the boundaries of the Harvard campus. Today, Facebook stands as the world’s most popular social media platform, boasting over 1 billion active users . Its influence is evident as over 50% of adults check their Facebook accounts first thing in the morning. With its diverse range of social media platforms, Facebook has fundamentally changed the way people interact and connect worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the digital landscape.

When Jeff Bezos initially set out to establish his own online retail company, his original choice for the name was “ Cadabra “. However, due to a mistaken association with the word “ Cadaver ,” Bezos swiftly decided to change the name to “ Amazon .”

The Disruptive Innovation of Amazon Brand

The strategic choice of “Amazon” also reflected Bezos’ desire to offer a comprehensive range of products, from A to Z, catering to diverse global markets. As the pioneering force in e-commerce, Amazon disrupted traditional retail models and established itself as the ultimate destination for all consumer needs.

Amazon was the first company to disrupt the way we buy products online and is one of today’s ultimate disruptive brands. It has grown to become the one-sto p shop for practically everything you need.

In its early days, Apple was known as a pricey computer company lacking disruptive innovation . In 2001 that changed, Apple released its very first innovative iPod . This game-changing device allowed people to carry their music effortlessly, transforming the way we listen to music on the go.

The Disruptive Innovation of Apple Brand

Apple’s disruptive innovation didn’t stop there, the success of the iPod led to other innovative devices . They went on to introduce the world to the first mobile touchscreen device, revolutionizing the smartphone industry. Without Apple’s disruptive innovation approach, touch-screen smartphones might not be as prevalent today.

While competitors have emerged with their own touch-screen devices, Apple remains the brand that fundamentally altered how we engage with technology. Their commitment to innovation and portability ensures we always have powerful and accessible devices at our disposal.

13- Netflix

Netflix is another disruptive innovation brand in the world. They initially started as a pretty boring innovation, a relatively mundane concept of mailing DVDs to customers, providing them with a home-based blockbuster experience.

The Disruptive Innovation of Netflix Brand Netflix, a disruptive innovation brand, started by revolutionizing the DVD rental industry with its convenient mail-out service. However, recognizing the changing landscape, Netflix made a bold move to shift its focus to online streaming, forever transforming the way people consume entertainment. By offering a vast library of movies and TV shows for instant streaming, Netflix disrupted traditional video rental stores and became a global powerhouse in the streaming industry. With its original content and personalized recommendations, Netflix has reshaped the way we watch and enjoy films and series, setting a new standard for on-demand, accessible entertainment. Today, Netflix continues to innovate, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide.

The exclusive decision to grant customers access to streaming movies online meant that Netflix could officially displace Blockbuster out of business. Now, many people across the world use Netflix as their official movie streaming platform.

14-  Uber Disruptive Innovation

Uber has emerged as one of the most disruptive innovation companies globally, challenging the traditional taxi cab industry. In cities worldwide, taxis have long been regarded as the preferred mode of public transportation, particularly in situations where time is of the essence. However, opting for a taxi often requires paying a premium price.

The Disruptive Innovation of Uber

It revolutionized the transportation industry by offering a more convenient, accessible, and affordable alternative. With a simple tap on a mobile app, users can request a ride to their location, eliminating the need to wait or hail a traditional taxi. This innovative approach has created new opportunities for both passengers and drivers, providing modern and cost-effective transportation solutions. Uber has redefined the concept of transport, offering flexibility and convenience to meet individual needs.

15- CryptoCurrency

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography to secure financial transactions, control the creation of new units, and verify the transfer of assets. It operates independently of a central bank and is decentralized, relying on blockchain technology for transparency and security.

Related: Digitization vs Digitalization: Differences, Definitions, and Examples

The Disruptive Innovation of Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a disruptive innovation that has revolutionized the financial industry. Operating on decentralized technology known as blockchain, it offers numerous advantages such as faster transactions, lower fees, enhanced security, and increased accessibility. By eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks, cryptocurrencies enable peer-to-peer transactions, challenging traditional financial systems. This disruptive technology has the potential to transform not only finance but also other industries through the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts. However, regulatory concerns and technical challenges must be addressed for the full potential of cryptocurrency to be realized. Overall, cryptocurrency’s disruptive innovation is reshaping the way we perceive and engage with money, opening up new possibilities for the future of finance.

Bitcoin is also a method for individuals to take “money” from the hands of bankers. What is the reason bankers, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve have so much control over financial and economic affairs, in the first place?

Tesla has emerged as a disruptive force in the traditional automobile industry with its introduction of electric vehicles (EVs), which pose a challenge to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in terms of performance, range, and sustainability. Let’s explore some of the ways Tesla has brought about this disruption in the industry:

• Electric powertrains: Tesla’s electric vehicles utilize advanced electric powertrains, outperforming traditional internal combustion engines in efficiency and sustainability. This enables Tesla to offer vehicles with extended ranges and swift acceleration, appealing to a broader customer base seeking high-performance and eco-friendly transportation.
• Innovative design: Tesla sets itself apart with its distinctive minimalist and futuristic vehicle designs. By breaking away from conventional aesthetics, Tesla has shattered the stigma surrounding electric vehicles and attracted a diverse range of customers who appreciate the blend of style and sustainable technology.
• Direct-to-consumer sales model: Challenging the traditional automotive sales model, Tesla directly sells its vehicles to consumers, bypassing traditional dealerships. This approach empowers Tesla to maintain control over the entire customer experience, ensuring a seamless and efficient purchasing process.
• Over-the-air updates: Tesla’s over-the-air software updates have revolutionized the automotive aftermarket. Unlike traditional manufacturers, Tesla can continuously enhance vehicle functionality and address issues remotely, delivering updates directly to customers without the need for scheduled maintenance appointments.
• Focus on sustainability: Tesla is disrupting the industry by placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Their electric vehicles emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to their fossil fuel counterparts, paving the way for a cleaner and greener transportation future. Tesla is also actively expanding its battery and charging infrastructure to make electric vehicles more accessible worldwide

17- DropBox Disruptive Innovation

Dropbox disrupted the traditional file storage and sharing industry by introducing a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform. The company’s innovative approach to file storage and sharing has created a new market and value network centered around cloud-based file storage, and it has challenged traditional file storage providers to keep up with the demand for more accessible and convenient storage options.

Here are a few ways that Dropbox disrupted the traditional file storage and sharing industry:

• Cloud-based storage: By leveraging the power of cloud computing, Dropbox replaced the need for physical storage devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives. Users can now securely store their files in the cloud, eliminating the limitations of local storage capacity and enabling access from anywhere with an internet connection.
• User-friendly interface: Dropbox prioritized simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible even to users with limited technical expertise. Its intuitive interface and straightforward file management system have contributed to its widespread adoption and popularity among individuals and businesses alike.
• Collaboration tools:  Dropbox revolutionized collaboration by allowing multiple users to access and edit shared files in real time. This eliminated the need for emailing files back and forth or relying on physical media for file exchange, streamlining collaboration and enhancing productivity for individuals and teams.
• Integration with other tools: Dropbox integrated with other productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Slack, which made it easier for users to use Dropbox within their existing workflows. This has helped to increase the adoption of Dropbox and challenged traditional file storage providers to integrate with other productivity tools.
• Security and privacy: Dropbox has invested in security and privacy features to protect its users’ data. The company has implemented strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and other security measures to ensure the privacy and security of its users’ data. This has challenged traditional file storage providers to improve the security of their products and to ensure the privacy of their users’ data.
• File Synchronization: Dropbox introduced automatic file synchronization, ensuring that any changes made to a file are instantly updated across all devices connected to the user’s account. This feature eliminated the hassle of manually transferring updated versions of files and ensured that users always had the latest version at their fingertips.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Dropbox’s platform is compatible with various operating systems and devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This flexibility allows users to access their files seamlessly, regardless of the device they are using, promoting convenience and accessibility.

18- Spotify

Spotify disrupted the traditional music industry by introducing a music streaming service that allowed customers to listen to music on demand. The company created a new market and value network centered around music streaming and has challenged traditional music companies to adapt to the new market dynamics.

Here are a few ways that Spotify disrupted the traditional music industry:

• On-demand streaming:  Spotify pioneered the concept of on-demand music streaming, offering users unlimited access to a vast library of songs. This shifted the focus from owning physical or digital music files to accessing music anytime, anywhere, and from any device.
• Personalized recommendations: With its advanced algorithms, Spotify analyzes users’ listening habits and preferences to deliver personalized music recommendations and curated playlists. This tailored experience enhances user satisfaction and challenges traditional music companies to refine their recommendation systems.
• Integration with other tools: Spotify seamlessly integrates with various platforms and tools, allowing users to incorporate music into their daily activities. Whether it’s sharing favorite tracks on social media or syncing playlists with fitness apps, Spotify has created a comprehensive ecosystem that caters to diverse user needs.
• Music discovery: Spotify invests in music discovery features, offering curated playlists, genre-specific recommendations, and algorithmically-generated “Discover Weekly” playlists. These tools help users explore new music and artists, fostering a sense of musical exploration and challenging traditional companies to enhance their own discovery mechanisms.
• Licensing agreements: By securing licensing agreements with major music labels and publishers, Spotify has assembled an extensive catalog of music, encompassing a wide range of genres and artists. This challenges traditional music companies to negotiate similar agreements to stay competitive in the streaming era.

Utilizing Technology for Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive innovation contention with example.

There is an ongoing debate surrounding the definition of disruptive innovation and what qualifies as a truly disruptive technology. It is important to clarify that for an innovation or technology to be considered disruptive, it must be entirely new and not simply an iteration of existing technology.

The internet serves as a prime example of a disruptive technology because it revolutionized various industries, including bookselling. The rise of online platforms like Amazon Kindle disrupted the traditional bookselling industry by eliminating the need for physical stores. Through digital platforms, books became easily accessible to customers regardless of their geographical location.

On the other hand, the Model T car, while a significant advancement in transportation, is not considered a disruptive technology . It improved upon existing technology rather than introducing a completely new paradigm. Furthermore, the Model T faced initial resistance and was not immediately embraced upon its launch. However, the automobile industry experienced a significant transformation when the introduction of mass production techniques led to a decrease in prices. This shift from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, facilitated by mass production, can be seen as meeting the criteria for disruptive innovation as it fundamentally changed the entire transportation system.

Frequently Asked Question

• What are the four elements of disruptive innovation? The four elements of disruptive innovation, as described by Clayton Christensen, are as follows:
• Technological Enabler: A new technology or innovation that has the potential to disrupt existing markets and industries.
• Market Need: Identifying and addressing unmet needs or underserved segments in the market.
• Business Model Innovation : Creating a new business model that leverages the technological enabler and effectively serves the identified market need.
• Sustainable Growth: Scaling the disruptive innovation over time to challenge and potentially replace established incumbents.
• Why is disruptive innovation important? Disruptive innovation is important because it drives progress, promotes competition, and enables the development of new solutions that can meet changing customer needs . It has the potential to transform industries, create new market opportunities, and challenge traditional ways of doing things. By introducing innovative products, services, or business models, disruptive innovation can lead to increased efficiency, improved accessibility, and enhanced customer experiences.
• What is disruptive innovation theory? Disruptive innovation theory, developed by Clayton Christensen, explains how new technologies or innovations can disrupt existing markets and industries. According to the theory, disruptive innovations typically start by serving niche markets or addressing unmet needs. Over time, they improve and expand their offerings, eventually challenging and displacing established incumbents. Disruptive innovation theory helps to understand the dynamics of market disruptions and the strategies that can be employed to navigate and respond to them effectively.
• What skills do you need for disruptive innovation? To engage in disruptive innovation, several key skills can be beneficial:
• Creativity and Problem-Solving: The ability to think innovatively and identify new opportunities or solutions.
• Adaptability and Agility: Being open to change, embracing new technologies, and quickly adapting to evolving market conditions.
• Strategic Thinking : Developing a clear vision and strategy to disrupt existing markets or create new ones.
• Risk-taking and Resilience: Willingness to take calculated risks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of challenges.
• Collaboration and Networking: Building strong relationships, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and leveraging collective knowledge and resources.
• Customer-Centricity: Understanding customer needs and preferences, and designing solutions that address those needs effectively.
• Continuous Learning: Being curious, seeking new knowledge and insights, and staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.

Here we have them: the top examples of disruptive innovation companies. Each of the companies featured in this post has significantly disrupted and transformed their industries. You don’t necessarily have to impact the world like the brands mentioned above to get ahead of the current market, but you need to find a unique way of standing out from the crowd.

Related: Unfair Advantage: What is it, and how do you find yours?

In a world where self-differentiation is becoming more of a challenge, disruptive innovation companies will always stand out.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy our articles on Innovative Strategies and Innovation Strategy in Business, Creativity and Innovation, Customer Jobs to be Done , Disruptive Technology Trends & how to measure innovation

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Areas of interest * Innovation Digital Transformation Culture & Organization IT Strategy & Bus. Alignment Customer Experience

Editable UNITE models (PowerPoint) included

Most of our models and canvases are designed to be applied! 


To help you personalize them to your exact business requirements, you can download fully editable versions of the UNITE models available (PowerPoint format)!

They are straightforward to work with, and you can directly incorporate them into your presentations as you need…thus saving countless hours of replication!

PS: did you know that you are also getting hi-res print-ready versions for your workshops?

Monthly live webinars

Each month we host our exclusive, invitation-only webinar series where one of our industry-leading experts updates our members on the latest news, progress and concepts around business strategy, innovation and digital transformation, as well as other related topics. 



You will receive the book in PDF and EPUB formats, ideal for your computer, Kindle, Tablet or other eReading device.

Bi-weekly live group Q&A sessions

These sessions are your opportunity to bring any questions or challenges you’re facing and receive expert guidance on the spot. 


Come and be a part of engaging discussions where your unique concerns are heard and addressed.

1x personal coaching session / month

If you are occasionally looking for a sparring partner or you need limited support, then this option will be ideal for you. Coaching sessions are 1-2 hours where we can discuss any challenge or opportunity you are currently facing.

If you need a few more hours outside of this provision, then these could be billed transparently.

Unlimited video call support! – it’s like always making the right decision!

We believe support shouldn’t be limited. Because we typically find that the occasional hour just doesn’t cut it – particularly if you and your team are in the midst of a large and complex project.

Your time with Stefan is therefore unlimited (fair usage applies) – in his function as coach and sparring partner. That does mean that you will still have to do the work – we cannot take that off you, unless you hire us as consultants. But you will get valuable strategic insight and direction to make sure you are always focusing your efforts where they will lead to the best results.

One personal coaching session / month 
+ unlimited support via e-mail & WhatsApp

We believe support shouldn’t be limited. If you generally know what you are doing but want a sparring partner to frequently raise questions to, this is the perfect choice!

In addition to your monthly 1-1 live coaching sessions with Stefan, you will also get unlimited support from him via email and WhatsApp messaging (fair usage applies). This not only allows you to get valuable strategic direction in your calls, but also gives you instant access to expert help as you work through your plans each month.



The fact that support is text-based means that we can speed up our responses to you while keeping the overall cost of support down.

Welcome gift of our book 
 “How to Create Innovation” 
 (digital + physical editions)*

As a welcome gift, you will receive the both the digital and physical version of our book “How to Create Innovation”, which covers numerous relevant resources and provides additional deep dives into our UNITE models and concepts.


The print version will be shipped out to you on sign-up. The digital version will be emailed to you, and comes in PDF and EPUB formats, ideal for your computer, Kindle, Tablet or other eReading device.

1x major workshop or 2x smaller workshops / month

1x major or 2x smaller workshops based on the UNITE models.

• Topics covered: almost any challenge under the header of #strategy, #innovation or #transformation, leveraging the UNITE models.
• Hands-On Learning: solve your challenges while learning the practical application of the UNITE models and walk away with concrete plans and tools to take your next steps.
• Industry thought leadership: facilitated by Stefan, the founder of Digital Leadership and the main author of the UNITE models, ensuring top-tier guidance and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborative approach: engage in interactive sessions that foster collaboration, idea exchange, and real-time problem-solving among peers and industry leaders.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular workshops ensure ongoing development in your organization staying ahead of industry trends and customer needs.

Access all of our UNITE models, 
 (incl. editable & print versions)

All of our Professional plans offer full access to the following:

• 6x UNITE model package downloads are included per month, if you need something in addition to these however, please let us know!
• Hi-res, print-ready versions you can use in your workshops
• Fully editable PowerPoint versions where applicable – personalize to your needs.
• Exclusive access to our vault of never-before-published strategic materials. We have much more to share – a lot of our concepts have never been published!

Exclusive access to our private UNITE community (upcoming)

We are currently in the process of launching our brand new community., we are designing our community to specifically help you:.

• Get answers to questions (“How do I …”)
• Share leading practices & knowledge
• Jointly develop new models
• Network amongst a highly qualified group of peers

Please, select the reason

Cancelling your plan will deactivate your plan after the current billing period ends. You will not be charged further, but also won’t be able to access [exclusive features/services].

• Cost-related issues
• Unsatisfied with the service
• Features I need are missing
• Switching to a different service
• Other (Please specify)

Book Your Initial Blueprint Session Now

Simply fill out the below form and book in a time for our initial session that works for you. This initial session is free, no strings attached, and is where we can discuss your Blueprint needs more in-depth before moving forward.

Stefan F. Dieffenbacher

Founder of digital leadership.

Adam D. Wisniewski

Partner for it strategy & business alignment.

Get in touch with Digital Leadership

Speak to our team today to find the best solution for your business to grow and scale.

We are here to support you across the entire lifecycle in all topics related to #digital, #innovation, #transformation and #marketing!

Stefan F. Dieffenbacher Founder of Digital Leadership

Contact Us!

Contact form, contact details, book a call.

Title, first name & last name * Email address * Phone number Please let us know how we can best support you! *

By clicking “Send”, I agree to Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Let’s have a conversation!

“Please be invited to reach out! We are happy to help and look forward to a first meeting!”

+41 (0) 44 562 42 24

[email protected]

Schedule Your Call With Our Team

Find a time on our calender that best suits you !

Founder and CEO of Digital Leadership

SCHEDULE YOUR INITIAL CALL

A Quick Survey!

What is the main challenge you're currently facing in your business?

You Want To Drive Change?

Let’s find the best solution for your business to grow and scale sustainably!

Let’s kick start it!

We will uncover your current business situation and goals and provide you with a bespoke solution that helps you drastically grow your business working with us.

Stefan F. Dieffenbacher, M.B.A.

Feedback about our consulting that we are proud of

Read the reviews and make sure that this is not a waste of time, but a super effective tool.

You want to drive change?

Schedule your free business assessment call with our founder.

On this call, we will uncover your current business situation and goals and talk about how to drive change and solve your need.

Choose the meeting type that applies to your needs and schedule a time to meet with someone from our team. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Thanks, We’ve Received Your Updated Details

Schedule Your Free Business Assessment

Schedule Your Free Business Assessment Call With Adam D. Wisniewski

Welcome to our scheduling page.

Let’s Design your Customer Experience Blueprint !

In a uniquely designed 60 or 90 minute session* , we will …

• > identify where to start with near-certainty
• > define what approach it takes to create success in your organization

Based on the Blueprinting session, you will receive a tailored blueprint that aligns with your objectives, vision and goals, ensuring that your initiative is a success from start to finish.

In this session, you will be working together with Patrick Zimmermann, Associate Partner for Customer Experience

Let’s Design your Culture & Org-Change Blueprint !

In this session, you will be working together with Dr. Andreas Rein, Partner at Digital Leadership for Culture & Org Change

Let’s Design your Innovation Blueprint !

In this session, you will be working together with Sascha Martini, Partner at Digital Leadership for Innovation and Digital Transformation

Let’s Design your Transformation Blueprint !

In this session, you will be working together with Stefan F. Dieffenbacher, Founder of Digital Leadership Stefan is a global thought leader in the innovation space

Let’s Design your IT Strategy & Business Alignment Blueprint !

In this session, you will be working together with Adam D. Wisniewski, Partner for IT Strategy & Business Alignment

Patrick Zimmermann

Sascha Martini

Dr. Andreas Rein

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Press Release

ARPA-E Announces $150 Million to Develop Systems that Provide Abundant Primary Energy, Enable Intermodal Energy Transport, and Sustainably Meet Demand for Polymers & Other Materials

DALLAS, TX — Today, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Director Evelyn N. Wang announced up to $150 million in funding to develop groundbreaking technologies to realize ARPA-E’s vision of the energy future. This vision includes three goals that are critical to achieve a sustainable energy and carbon transition with: 1) greenhouse gas (GHG)-free abundant primary energy; 2) an intermodal energy superhighway that transports diversified forms of primary energy; and 3) a carbon transition that sustainably meets the demand for polymers and other materials. ARPA-E Director Wang made the announcement from the 2024 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit , which kicked off in Texas today just outside Dallas. Since the inception of ARPA-E, the OPEN program has served as an opportunity to advance transformative energy breakthroughs in critical areas that fall outside the scope of ARPA-E’s technology-focused programs. Now, as the Agency celebrates 15 years, ARPA-E unveiled Vision OPEN 2024 , a funding opportunity that represents a revolutionary view of our energy future. “Vision OPEN 2024 is designed to develop innovations based on an energy landscape dramatically different than what we have today,” said ARPA-E Director Evelyn N. Wang. “As the world looks to our nation for energy solutions, the United States looks to innovators to make an impact with technology. ARPA-E is calling on innovators to realize technologies that create a world beyond 2050 and sustain future generations.” The three goals set forth by Vision OPEN 2024 require disruptive and ambitious technologies:

• GHG-Free Abundant Primary Energy: This first goal seeks to provide a path to a complete transition of global primary energy supply to GHG-free forms by 2050, while increasing the primary energy supply. This will be realized through innovations that accelerate deployment of GHG-free primary energy and advance both new and nascent technologies.
• Intermodal Energy Superhighway: The goal is to develop an intermodal energy superhighway to transfer energy through several modalities—not just electrical power. A wide range of primary energy will be transferred through various networks (e.g., electrical, chemical, and thermal) designed to support its efficient, reliable, and inexpensive distribution.
• Carbon as a Sustainable Building Block of the Future: ARPA-E envisions a path to a transition from carbon as a source of unsustainable energy to a source of valuable materials. This will be realized through innovations, including engineering plants and algae into “living refineries” of atmospheric carbon; transforming fossil refineries into low-GHG materials factories; applying advanced carbon allotropes to energy technologies and sequestration; and scaling up new polymers that are recyclable by design.

You can access more information about Vision OPEN 2024 on ARPA-E eXCHANGE .

ARPA-E advances high-potential, high-impact clean energy technologies across a wide range of technical areas that are strategic to America's energy security.  Learn more  about these efforts and ARPA-E's commitment to ensuring the United States continues to lead the world in developing and deploying advanced clean energy technologies.

Press and General Inquiries: 202-287-5440 [email protected]

Thekiso Mokhele creates art using AI to comment on hot-button election issues

This is the first time an african narrative has been told using disruptive technology, says the artist.

Closely inspect the caption of a picture accompanying any article these days and you might find in the credit space wording such as “AI art created by Midjourney”. ..

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MIT Office of the President

Update on the events of november 9.

On the evening of Thursday, November 9, President Sally Kornbluth wrote to the MIT community to explain a very complex and difficult set of campus events and their consequences. To make sure we all have the same facts now, and to answer some common questions, we’ve prepared this update, in the form of an FAQ. 

• What is MIT doing to enhance campus safety and security and address disruptions?
• Were Jewish students ever prevented from going to class?
• What are MIT’s plans to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia?
• What led up to Thursday morning’s protest and counter-protest?
• What happened on Thursday morning in Lobby 7?
• Why did the paper notice telling protestors and counter-protestors not look more official? Why did you choose this way to communicate?
• What did you mean when you wrote “subject to suspension” in this paper notice?
• What are the immediate consequences?
• What is an “interim disciplinary action”?
• Why are students who refused to leave the lobby being disciplined?
• Why aren’t students who refused to leave Lobby 7 facing harsher punishment?
• By imposing discipline on students for behavior during a protest, isn’t MIT chilling free expression?  
• What is MIT doing to enhance campus safety and security and address disruptions? As we’ve communicated previously , MIT has enhanced campus security measures and patrols and is in constant communication with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to protect our community and keep our campus safe. We encourage anyone who feels their physical safety is threatened to contact MIT Police at (617) 253-1212 or dial 100 from any MIT phone. And we encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination to report it to Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response (IDHR) at https://idhr.mit.edu .  We are developing guidelines for addressing classroom disruptions that we’ll share with department heads shortly.  
• Were Jewish students ever prevented from going to class? We are aware that at moments during last Thursday's protest, some students were impeding access to the Infinite Corridor. Further, due to the loud protesting taking place, it is no surprise that some students felt afraid of passing through Lobby 7. We are not aware of any ongoing issues facing our students in moving around our campus generally. However, we are aware that some of our Jewish students are fearful. Accordingly, we have expanded police patrols and taken other steps to ensure our community remains safe. We will continue to work hard to restore for all members of our community a sense of safety and freedom that is essential to allowing all of us to thrive in our work and studies.  
• What are MIT’s plans to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia? Working with faculty leaders, Chancellor Melissa Nobles will lead a new Institute-wide council called “Standing Together Against Hate,” charged with developing and overseeing efforts to combat hate at MIT. Elements of this effort will be broad, ranging from local group discussions with trained interlocutors, to speaker series, to curated reading lists, to programming in the student residences, and more. Although antisemitism will be the initial focus, the charge will be broader, and will include efforts to address prejudice and hate against Arabs and Muslims, as well.  We cannot let these issues fester on our campus.  
• What led up to Thursday morning’s protest and counter-protest? Early last week, a student group that had conducted recent demonstrations on campus advertised plans to hold a 12-hour “blockade” in Lobby 7, calling for participants to sign up for shifts aimed at “blocking the mouth of the infinite [corridor].” In response, on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life Suzy Nelson wrote to all students regarding our policies to make sure demonstrations remain safe, and to ask students not to disrupt living, working and learning spaces. She also wrote directly to the protest organizers to remind them of the Institute’s guidelines for free expression at Institute events, including protests and demonstrations and asked them to meet immediately. The students declined. Dean Nelson asked them to reconsider, noting that violating Institute policy would risk discipline, and again they declined. The protest came close on the heels of other disruptive actions initiated by some students, including unauthorized entry into offices, chanting at staff using a bullhorn, calling for disruptive walkouts in the middle of classes, and holding events in unauthorized campus locations without engaging with Institute officials.  
• What happened on Thursday morning in Lobby 7? Around 8:00 Thursday morning, a group of student protestors gathered in Lobby 7 despite not having permission to demonstrate in the space; about two hours later, they were met by counter-protestors, who also did not have permission to demonstrate in that space. Interactions between the two sides became loud and disruptive. Protestors angrily confronted one another in close proximity and some had to be separated by MIT police. Throughout, the MIT police and members of our staff did an outstanding job of deescalating the situation, offering support to move the demonstrations to other locations. The protestors declined. Around midday, Provost Barnhart, Chancellor Nobles and President Kornbluth were all present at the event and witnessed the rising intensity of the crowd. Feeling that the situation was on the brink of physical altercations, we concluded it was urgent to clear the lobby. Because the chanting and shouting in the lobby were overwhelming, we decided that the most reliable way to communicate with the scores of students present was in writing. So we asked Student Life staff who had been present all morning and are well known to students to distribute copies of a letter from the provost, the chancellor and the president, informing all students present that they must leave by a set time or be subject to disciplinary consequences. In addition, Chancellor Nobles used a microphone to ask the students to disperse, but protestors with bullhorns shouted her down. The counter-protestors left. So did some of the protestors. However, a number of protestors remained and continued to occupy the lobby, notwithstanding the warning that doing so could result in disciplinary action.  
• Why did the paper notice telling protestors and counter-protestors not look more official? Why did you choose this way to communicate? It did not look more official because we produced it in extraordinary haste; we felt its official nature would be clear as the president, provost and chancellor were all visibly present, and the notice was distributed by Student Life staff. We chose to present the notice in writing because we could see no better way to communicate with the scores of students in the very noisy lobby. Student Life staff were present throughout this time and were available to answer questions about the letter. Rather than physical force to clear the area, we chose writing as our best path.  
• What did you mean when you wrote “subject to suspension” in this paper notice? We’ve heard a range of questions about the phrase “subject to suspension,” which we used in the written notice to students. We wanted the students present to understand that suspension was the maximum sanction they might face. However, in the few tense minutes in which we drafted the notice, we did not elaborate on what we meant by “subject to suspension” or otherwise on the specific disciplinary consequences for protestors who remained in Lobby 7. We understand the language caused confusion and concern, and we regret that.  To clarify, we talked to the student organizers throughout the afternoon and evening and answered their questions about what was meant.  
• What are the immediate consequences? As we described last week, students who remained after the deadline have been restricted from participating in non-academic campus activities while the Committee on Discipline (COD) , a standing committee of the faculty, begins the formal disciplinary process. Because student discipline is determined by the faculty, all reports have been referred to the COD for review and resolution, and they are following up. Complaints that community members have lodged against individual students, on both sides of the conflict, are also being referred to the COD.  
• What is an “interim disciplinary action”? Interim administrative action is a standard Institute response for rapidly managing student groups whose behavior is out of bounds, pending formal review by the COD. The administration has taken such actions in the past in a range of matters, and used interim actions effectively to enforce crucial public health rules during the pandemic. Interim actions are defined to fit the circumstances and are usually more limited than formal sanctions imposed by the COD. It is important to note that these actions are intended to respond to concerns of the safety of the community and do not prejudice the ultimate decision by the COD. The actions we took on Thursday were in direct response to the decision of the protestors neither to disperse nor to move to an approved demonstration location that would prevent disruption of campus operations. In this unusual period, MIT is taking special steps, consistent with Institute policy and in line with past practice, to manage a sharp increase in reported violations of policy and to supplement resources to be able to address concerns in a reasonable timeframe. We are ensuring that we move through a high volume of complaints expeditiously but with the same care and attention that we always devote to this work.  
• Why are students who refused to leave the lobby being disciplined? The student organizers were informed repeatedly before and during the protest in Lobby 7 that their actions violated safety and operations-related MIT policies. They were also warned of potential discipline following prior disruptive activities. The COD will review and ultimately determine sanctions for any violations.  For the campus community to be safe for everyone, we need to enforce the rules – especially in the face of deliberate decisions to break them.  
• Why aren’t students who refused to leave Lobby 7 facing harsher punishment? Although students must face consequences for their repeated violations of Institute policy, MIT is an educational institution, and we want the punishment to be proportional to the behavior that was out of bounds. Interim measures are intended to ensure safety. Ultimately, the COD will review the cases and determine whether Institute policies have been violated and, if so, set appropriate discipline.  
• By imposing discipline on students for behavior during a protest, isn’t MIT chilling free expression? As specified in the MIT Statement on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom , “the time, place, and manner of protected expression, including organized protests, may be restrained so as not to disrupt the essential activities of the Institute.” MIT guidelines include locations that allow for protests and demonstrations to go forward without disrupting operations. 

Google Classroom: How to take and submit a photo

If your teacher or professor asks you to upload a picture to your Google Classroom assignment, there are two ways to do so. You can attach a photo from a linked Google Drive account or upload photos from your device. We show you both methods and offer tips to ensure your teacher doesn't receive a blurred or low-quality photo.

While one of the top Chromebooks for students is the best way to use apps like Google Classroom and Google Drive, you can follow this guide on any device, including iPhones and iPads. We recommend familiarizing yourself with Google Drive as its integration into Google Classroom makes managing your classwork a breeze.

How to take and submit a photo to a Google Classroom

We show you how to upload a photo stored on your device or Google Drive to your classroom. We also show you how to upload it as part of an assignment submission and your class stream.

If you're uploading a photo of a document to Google Classroom, use Google Drive. It has a built-in feature for scanning documents with your phone's camera. We also outline alternative methods for scanning documents.

What is Google Classroom?

How to upload a photo to google drive.

If you took your photo on a device that doesn't have access to Google Classroom, upload it to Google Drive. This is the easiest way to transfer the photo between devices and then to Google Classroom, regardless of what you used to take the photo. For example, you can take a photo from your iPhone and then use a Chromebook to upload the photo to your classroom.

For these steps, we use the Google Drive app on Android, but you can follow the same steps if you use Google Drive on iOS. If you arent taking a photo of a document, take your photo before you start these steps.

Ensure you're uploading your photos to the same Google Drive account linked to your Classroom account.

• Open the Google Drive app.
• Navigate to the folder to which you want to upload your photo.
• Tap the New button in the lower-right corner of your screen. Close
• Tap Upload if you've taken the photo or Scan if you are uploading a document.
• Select your photo or take a picture of your document.
• Wait for your photo to upload. Close

Tips for scanning a document with Google Drive

Google Drive's built-in document scanning feature is handy, but it's easy to take a blurry or unreadable image. Follow these tips to scan documents clearly:

• Place your document on a high-contrast surface (for example, place white paper on a dark background).
• Use Manual capture mode to ensure you get the document in focus.
• Tap Clean after scanning your document to remove smudges or stains.
• Rename your document after scanning it.

Alternative ways to scan a document with your phone

While Google Drive is the easiest way to scan a document with your phone, it isn't the only way. If you can't or don't want to use Google Drive to scan your documents, try these methods:

• The Microsoft Office Lens app isn't integrated with Google Drive or Classroom, but it has the best document scanning capabilities.
• The Adobe Scan app is another good alternative, but we recommend scanning your documents with Google Drive or Microsoft Office Lens.

How to upload a photo to an assignment

Before you follow these steps, ensure you can access your image on the device you use Google Classroom on. This could mean linking your Google Drive account or storing the photo on the same device.

Before submitting your assignment, double-check that the important details of your photo can be easily seen. Quality can be lost after uploading or transferring a photo between devices, meaning your teacher or professor can't use your photo.

• Go to classroom.google.com .
• Open your class.
• Select the Classwork tab.
• Click the assignment you want to upload images to.
• Click View assignment .
• Click Add or create under the Your Work heading.
• Click Google Drive to attach a photo stored in Google Drive or click File to attach a photo stored on your device.

How to upload a photo to the class stream

You'll first need to create a post to upload a photo to your Google Classroom's class stream. Below, we show the steps for creating a post with an attached photo. If you've created your post, skip to step 5.

• Select the Stream tab.
• Click Announce something to your class .
• Click Add .
• Click Post .

Upload clear photos to Google Classroom

Uploading a clear photo ensures your assignment is submitted successfully. While you can upload photos from your computer, Google Drive keeps your photos and documents organized, so use the cloud storage service to upload your photos. If you regularly need to scan large amounts of documents for your class, use Google Stack to scan and organize documents .