Disruptive Innovation – On Encountering the Discoverable

Disruptive innovation. What is it? Where does it thrive?

My opinion – go to intersection of the possible & probable.

A classic 2-dimensional plot simplifies this perspective:

Thus, innovations we can reasonably create are adjacent possibles. If we reach enough adjacent possibles, we eventually arrive at some plausible future.

In contrast, improbable technologies define the many realms of science fiction. Similarly, far-fetched ideas can motivate and expand our imagination.

So why describe where disruptive imagination thrives? Like any great expedition, we can increase our chances of encountering the discoverable.

Some whys include simply enjoying the discovery of life, saving the environment, or enlightening the world.

Some hows include reserving enough time, obtaining enough funding, & building a strong team.

Beyond that, leverage good project management & intentional randomness.

Thanks to Gaurav Mishra, re: branding futures, for facilitating the crystallization of this post.

Back to innovating, & disrupting, & discovery – unknown knowns or otherwise.