Contextual factors of disruptive innovation: A systematic review and framework

Since its inception over two decades ago, the theory of disruptive innovation has sparked heated discussions. Especially because of the increasing importance of societal influences and novel forms of competition and technology, questions about its theoretical value and practical relevance remain. Researchers have focused on firm-internal factors of disruptive innovations to resolve discussions about the validity of the theory. However, the literature lacks an integrated understanding of contextual factors, such as demand, market structure, culture, and regulation, that influence disruptive innovation because of its dispersed, fragmented character across dis-ciplines. Our study addresses this fragmentation and lack of integrated understanding by systematically reviewing 62 articles. The study makes three main contributions. First, we integrate and synthesize the literature on contextual factors of disruptive innovations. Second, we derive a three-phase framework of contextual factors: (1) disruptive susceptibility, (2) emergence and diffusion, and (3) endgame and outcome. Third, we contribute to resolving discussions about the theory's core elements and its predictive value by showing how, depending on the societal, cultural, or market context, the implications of the theory can change. Overall, this article shows how disruptive innovation can start, and be started, by social change. We conclude by suggesting areas for future research.

Automated summary

Over the past two decades, the theory of disruptive innovation has generated intense debates due to its theoretical value and practical relevance. This study reviews 62 articles to address the lack of integrated understanding of contextual factors that influence disruptive innovation. It presents a three-phase framework and highlights the impact of societal, cultural, and market contexts on the theory's implications.