Exploration of the origins and development of disruptive innovation theory

Disruptive innovation represents a strategic approach that gradually displaces existing mainstream products by introducing performance attributes valued by low-end or emerging market users. This study conceptualizes disruptive innovation through two primary dimensions – product-technology and market-enterprise, underpinned by an analysis of publication trends, prominent journals and research hotspots in the field. The research systematically categorizes the types of disruptive innovation and synthesizes their structural measurement using three distinct classification approaches. Key determinants of disruptive innovation are examined through the lenses of resource-based theory, trait activation theory, dynamic capabilities theory, institutional theory and value networks. Additionally, the study explores the implications of disruptive innovation for employees, leaders and organizations. Drawing on these insights, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the exploration of novel characteristics and forms of disruptive innovation, the integration of influencing factors, the investigation of its potential negative consequences, and its localization in diverse contexts. This study serves as a foundational reference for scholars seeking to advance their understanding of disruptive innovation and offers practical guidance for managers aiming to navigate and implement disruptive innovation within organizations.