Session 18 (Back Bay Battery)

Question 1

What is the Innovator’s Dilemma?

Answer 1

Incumbents struggle to invest in low margin, uncertain disruptive technologies
Profit-driven logic and customers’ product desires often reinforce short-term decisions that hinder long-term survival

Question 2

Time related issue with breakthroughs

Answer 2

R&D investing takes a long time
Investing too late risks missing the opportunity
Need consistent levels of investing
R&D allocation should align with potential market demands

Question 3

What’s the problem of listening to customers?

Answer 3

Can lead to poor performance
Core customers demands are mostly met, additional R&D improvements are marginal
Disruption often starts with non-customers with different needs