Exploring Factors Influencing Incumbents' Response to Disruptive Innovation

Christian Sandström, Mats Magnusson, Jan Jörnmark · 2009 · Creativity and Innovation Management

Summary. This case study of Hasselblad examines how incumbent firm characteristics shape responses to disruptive innovation. The company's limited resources and niche positioning in professional cameras constrained its ability to experiment with digital technology without damaging its brand. Hasselblad pursued collaborations and hybrid products but ultimately survived the shift from analog to digital through acquisitions. The paper argues that incumbent characteristics significantly influence how firms navigate disruptive threats, and that medium-sized premium firms can survive through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

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@article{sandstr-m-2009-exploring-factors-influencing-incumbents-response,
  title   = {Exploring Factors Influencing Incumbents' Response to Disruptive Innovation},
  author  = {Christian Sandström and Mats Magnusson and Jan Jörnmark},
  journal = {Creativity and Innovation Management},
  year    = {2009},
  doi     = {10.1111/j.1467-8691.2009.00507.x},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8691.2009.00507.x}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Exploring Factors Influencing Incumbents' Response to Disruptive Innovation
AU  - Christian Sandström
AU  - Mats Magnusson
AU  - Jan Jörnmark
JO  - Creativity and Innovation Management
PY  - 2009
DO  - 10.1111/j.1467-8691.2009.00507.x
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8691.2009.00507.x
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-8691.2009.00507.x

Countries

Sweden

Regions

Europe

Categories

innovation-theory, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28