"Disruptive technologies bring to a market a very different value proposition than had been available previously." Sustaining technologies enhance the performance of established products along dimensions valued by mainstream customers. In contrast, disruptive technologies often result in worse product performance initially but bring a different value proposition that appeals to fringe or new customers. For example, small off-road motorcycles introduced by Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha were disruptive relative to the powerful road cycles made by Harley-Davidson and BMW. | Clayton Christensen | The Innovator's Dilemma

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Disruptive vs. Sustaining Technologies

"Disruptive technologies bring to a market a very different value proposition than had been available previously." Sustaining technologies enhance the performance of established products along dimensions valued by mainstream customers. In contrast, disruptive technologies often result in worse product performance initially but bring a different value proposition that appeals to fringe or new customers. For example, small off-road motorcycles introduced by Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha were disruptive relative to the powerful road cycles made by Harley-Davidson and BMW.

-- Clayton Christensen