Portfolio Task One: Overview & Reflection on Disruptive

Technologies

International Year One (Level 4)

TAHA ZAKI 25693

03/11/2023
Disruptive technologies are specific technologies that can
fundamentally change not only established technologies but
also the rules and business models of a given market, and often
business and society overall (Christensen, 1997). According to
(Christensen, 1997), disruptive technologies have the capacity to
restructure different sectors by bringing in fresh approaches to
operations and creating new market possibilities. Failure to adjust to
these changes may result in a decline in market share (Bower &
Christensen, 1995). The historical instances of the steam engine
revolutionizing transportation (Hewitt, 2006) and electricity
transforming manufacturing (Fischer-Kowalski et al., 2011) serve as
illustrations of this transformative impact.
In contrast, disruptive technologies set themselves apart from
incremental innovations by significantly transforming industries
(Christensen, 1997). Incremental innovations, on the other hand,
involve making gradual improvements, while disruptive technologies
bring about radical changes (Chesbrough, 1997).
There are two examples about disruptive technologies firstly
blockchain, blockchain is a transparent and decentralized digital
ledger that securely validates and records transactions across
numerous computers. It employs cryptographic methods to
guarantee the immutability and credibility of the stored data. This
transformative technology has the capacity to reshape sectors like
finance, supply chain management, and healthcare by providing
heightened levels of security, traceability, and operational
effectiveness. Secondly renewable energy technologies, such as
solar and wind power, have the potential to completely transform the
existing energy sector. These groundbreaking solutions offer clean,
sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional energy
sources that rely on fossil fuels. By adopting renewable energy, we
can mitigate the environmental impact and create a more
sustainable future while ensuring economic feasibility.
Disruptive technologies have significantly improved collaboration and
connectivity, fostering effective teamwork and connection within
individuals and organizations. Businesses now could collaborate
remotely and cooperate effortlessly, thanks to the utilization of
various tools like project management software and video
conferencing platforms. These advancements have transformed
communication and collaboration, making it seamless and efficient,
regardless of geographical location or organizational boundaries.
(Brynjolfsson & McAfee,2014). However disruptive technologies face
a lot of challenges for examples the adoption and maintenance of
disruptive technologies can have substantial financial implications
including upfront costs associated with acquiring hardware, deploying
software, and training employees. Additionally, guaranteeing
consistent peak performance demands continual maintenance efforts
and updates, which can lead to additional costs.
One of the ethical implications of disruptive technologies such as
artificial intelligence and robotics is the potential for job losses as
these technologies become more prevalent and advanced that were
previously performed by humans it may be replaced by machines and
algorithms. Those results leads to unemployment and economic
hardship for people for example a factory that produces 7000 phones
per day using human workers, with a corresponding daily labor cost
of $70,000. In contrast, if this factory were to adopt automated
machinery, it could potentially increase its daily production output to
over 10,000 phones at a lower cost that does not exceed $8,000 per
day.
The overall influence and consequences of disruptive technologies
discussed is Disruptive technologies possess the capability to deeply
transform existing technologies, regulations, and business models
within a specific market. They introduce innovative methods of
operation and generate novel opportunities leading to the complete
restructuring of various sectors.
The future of these technologies seems predictable, as there are
numerous disruptive technologies emerging. While disruptive
technologies are currently proving beneficial, it is important to
consider the potential consequences. There is concern among some
that, after 20 or 25 years, these technologies may pose a threat to
humanity and potentially lead to their destruction.
REFERENCES :

Christensen, C. (1997). The innovator's dilemma: when new

technologies cause great firms to fail: Harvard Business Review Press.

Bower, J., & Christensen, C. (1995). ‘Disruptive Technologies: Catching

the Wave’. Available at :
https://scirp.org/reference/referencespapers.aspx?
referenceid=3132054 (Accesssed:2 November 2023).

Fischer,K. et al (2011) Methodology and Indicators of Economy-wide

Material Flow Accounting. Available at:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1530-
9290.2011.00366.x (Accesssed:2 November 2023)

Chesbrough, H.(1995) Open Innovation: The New Imperative for

Creating and Profiting from Technology: Harvard business review

Brynjolfsson, E., and McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age.

W.W. Norton & Company
PLAN:
1. Introduction to Disruptive Technologies and brief history
2. Examples of Disruptive Technologies explained
3. Opportunities and challenges for disruptive technologies
4. Reflection and own opinion
APPENDIX: