Disruptive innovation in family businesses – the need for future viability?
The term „'disruptive innovation“' was introduced by Clayton M. Christensen (Harvard Business School) in 1995 and became more and more popular in the past years. However, what does this type of innovation mean? Basically it can be differentiated between two different types of innovation:; the sustaining- and disruptive innovation. In comparison to the former, where products and services are getting improved constantly, a disruptive innovation disrupts an existing market commonly over a longer period of time. One of the best-known examples is Netflix Inc., who disrupted the former biggest video rental company in America Blockbuster Inc. with a disruptive innovation.
This type of innovation is, as it can be seen in the above-mentioned example, frequently getting associated with Start-Up companies. However, in this study there will be an analysis on disruptive innovations in familiy businesses. Are there any disruptive innovations, which were developed in the past or are in an advanced development stage? Which criteria inhibit and enable family businesses in relation to disruptive innovations and, is this typology a necessity for the future survivability in relation to the sustaining innovation?
Based on the qualitative survey recommendations, it will be given to family businesses, who want to develop disruptive innovations in the future. Thereby, the most important barriers will be analysed, their opportunities will be pointed out and suggestions will be given to be able to increase the efficiency of the development of a disruptive innovation.