Disruptive technologies for business
What are disruptive technologies? How do they influence the way we work and business activity? Below, we explore what disruptive technologies are and how they have come to revolutionize processes, mechanisms, and behaviors in companies and among consumers.
The pandemic came to change everything. From one day to the next, companies were forced to change their tools and strategies in order to keep operating and allow professionals to continue working. At the same time, new ways of reaching users had to be found, generating opportunities that have since been successfully leveraged.
In all of this, what role do disruptive technologies play? Why start the article this way? The answer is that this is one of the clearest recent examples of how, due to a specific situation and sudden, significant changes in social, economic, or business contexts—often a mix of all three—faster and more agile solutions are needed to keep systems running. This is where disruptive technologies come in, providing answers and solutions. They are called this because they refer to innovations and advancements that cause major changes in processes and mechanisms compared to the previous state.
What are disruptive technologies?
These are technologies that generate a highly significant change and emerge abruptly and often unexpectedly. This concept was defined in 1995 by Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen. Key ideas to better understand it include:
- Innovations that disrupt markets and industries
- They generate new business models
- They significantly transform different sectors and even create new ones
- They fundamentally change the way we work, produce, and consume products/services
Examples to better understand this concept? While more specific cases will follow, two recent ones are easy to grasp:
- The creation of the first computer, the personal computer. On an individual level, anyone can understand the revolution it represented; on an international and organizational level, the impact was immense and difficult to measure.
- The Internet. The World Wide Web is arguably the most disruptive technology or innovation that has transformed everything that came before. In fact, many subsequent innovations are built upon it.
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How to implement disruptive technology in a business
Disruptive technologies must be implemented in companies with the guidance and coordinated work of specialists using a strategic approach. An adaptive plan is required so that these innovations are progressively integrated into organizations, while professionals also adapt to these innovations and new ways of working.
- Set clear objectives: what is intended to be achieved with the adoption of these new tools and methods?
- Identify business areas where the technology can have a positive impact: does it improve processes? Does it facilitate the creation of new products or services? Does it enhance the customer experience?
- Create an action plan, a detailed step-by-step roadmap including the tools to be used and available resources. Within this plan, training employees who will use the systems is essential.
- Begin implementation and measure and evaluate progress periodically to ensure the correct steps are being followed.
- Continuous updating on new developments and technological innovations that may be relevant for the company.
Benefits of disruptive technology
The adoption of technological innovations brings numerous benefits. In the case of disruptive technology, several key advantages stand out that justify the development of an action plan:
- Opens the door to new business opportunities, new products or innovative services, and access to markets that were previously difficult to reach.
- Maximizes productivity and business performance. Robotics and artificial intelligence, two clear examples of recent disruptive technology, enable task execution and even automate certain activities.
- Improves employee satisfaction by facilitating work-life balance. This increases employee well-being, which ultimately improves overall business results.
- Greater adaptability to market changes. Operating in a global, technology-driven environment ensures that companies adopting disruptive technology are better prepared for future challenges.
Examples of disruptive technologies
There are countless recent examples of disruptive technologies, as technological progress has accelerated rapidly in recent years—from artificial intelligence to cloud services and nanotechnology.
- Artificial intelligence
Algorithms that, when combined, can perform actions that were previously reserved exclusively for humans. AI is currently the innovation everyone is talking about. - Cloud services
A highly interconnected world where, with an internet connection, teams can collaborate and access virtually unlimited storage without the need for physical infrastructure. - Big Data
The collection and management of data and information, which grows exponentially in the digital age, enabling better decision-making and deeper insights into processes and phenomena. Big Data has the potential to revolutionize any company, sector, or field when properly utilized. - Cybersecurity
Another crucial disruptive technology is cybersecurity. Without strong protection, systems and operations would be highly vulnerable. Significant progress is being made in tools and processes that protect data and networks. - Smart Cities
The application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to optimize urban infrastructure and processes is a true revolution. Smart cities promote sustainability and efficiency, values increasingly embraced worldwide.
It is clear that disruptive technologies bring profound transformation when they emerge. They typically improve existing systems, streamline processes, and ultimately aim to enhance quality of life. This is explored in depth in EAE Business School Barcelona’s Global MBA, which aims to transform students “both as professionals and individuals, generating global and local impact through a holistic business vision.” As always, those interested can contact the school’s team to learn more about the program and the many opportunities it offers to advance professional development and career growth.
