In the mid-90s as CEO of Medtronic, I was concerned about whether we could sustain the remarkable success in innovation that we had enjoyed during the previous 10 years. As we grew, I knew it would be very difficult to continue to create the breakthrough innovations that had led to Medtronic’s high growth rate, which had exceeded 18% per annum for a decade. Then I read Clay Christensen and Joe Bower’s 1995 article “Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave” in HBR.
The Idea That Led to 10 Years of Double-Digit Growth
How a 1995 HBR article kept Medtronic from suffering Hewlett Packard’s fate.
November 01, 2012
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New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.