Innovation and Globalization
Innovation and Globalization
The idea of innovation as a leading strategy has complemented the competitive advantage strategy. There are issues with getting to the top of an industry by innovating and then falling behind to rising competitors. Collectively, these issues are known as the innovator’s dilemma, and technology companies have been fighting tooth and nail to avoid falling victim to this problem (as have many other industries). One way to avoid this dilemma is by maintaining a high level of cash and simply acquiring the innovating companies. From 2007 through 2009, Google acquired 24 companies (that were disclosed) and Microsoft acquired 34.
Finally, as globalization makes the world a real global economy, the focus of strategy must go beyond the borders of your own country. Technology has enabled even small companies of just a few people to outsource work to the other side of the world. A global view will be essential to any twenty-first century strategy.
Read Harvard Business School’s Clayton M. Christensen’s “Six Keys to Building New Markets by Unleashing Disruptive Innovation” and University of North Carolina’s Ralph Byrns’ “Comparative Advantage and Absolute Advantage.”
PART 1:
Review the material from Harvard Business School’s Clayton M. Christensen’s “Six Keys to Building New Markets by Unleashing Disruptive Innovation” and University of North Carolina’s Ralph Byrns’ “Comparative Advantage and Absolute Advantage.” Then, answer the following questions:
1. Provide an example of a firm which has been a disruptive innovator. What role does technology play in disruptive innovation?
2. What is the greatest risk of being a disruptive innovator for an organization? How must the firm consider the actions of its rivals?
3. How might government try to limit the effects of disruptive innovation? Provide a specific example of when a technology tool was limited or disabled by a government.
Please answer in 200 words or more. Use your own words – please do not copy and paste from a web site. Be sure to use in text citation and provide references for your sources. Wikipedia is not a source.
PART 2:
Reflect on the reading this week, “Six Keys to Building New Markets by Unleashing Disruptive Innovation” and identify each key. Pick any organization you are familiar with and analyze which of the six keys to building new markets they have successfully used. To help you select a firm, you may want to research leaders in technology. Define comparative advantage. What is the organization’s comparative advantage in general? Evaluate the strength of their comparative advantage in the global marketplace.
Prepare a two page (double-spaced) essay. The paper should be 12-point font, Times New Roman, be at least 500 words, and include a final source list.
PART 3:
Consider the following questions for reflection:
In your own life, what ways have you been a “disruptive innovator? At what times was it better to conform? What lessons can you draw from your own experience which may apply to businesses in United States?
Please write an essay of complete and well composed paragraphs (250 word minimum for the entire essay) Be sure to use in text citation and provide references for your sources. Wikipedia is not a source.
