Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen demonstrates in the most revolutionary business book in years why outstanding companies that did everything right-were in tune with the competition, listened to customers, and invested aggressively in new technologies still lost their market leadership when confronted with disruptive changes in technology and market structure ... and he tells how to avoid a similar fate as business races online into the twenty-first century. The Innovator's Dilemma eloquently demonstrates a shattering paradox: that the best of conventional good business practices can ultimately weaken a great firm. There is a certain type of technological innovation that Christensen labels disruptive technology, which mainstream customers initially reject. Following these customers causes well-managed firms to allow strategic innovations to languish. The solution? Create a subsidiary entirely focused on the emerging market, one that is free to be visionary while courting an unorthodox customer base and staying poised to catch the next great wave of industry growth. Sharp, cogent, and provocative, The Innovator's Dilemma is one of the most talked about business books of our time-and something that none of today's executives will dare to be without.

"Succinct and clearly written, The Innovator's Dilemma is an important book that belongs on every manager's bookshelf. Highly recommended."(- Harry C. Edwards, Amazon.com)

"This is a compelling argument, thoroughly researched and superbly written, which challenges conventional theory."(- Jon Hughes, Supply Management)

"This book ought to chill any executive who feels bulletproof - and inspire entrepreneurs aiming their guns."(- Forbes)

"In a sea of mostly worthless business books, this is an upside surprise - sharply written and rigorous enough to be predictive...The Innovator's Dilemma could be the wake-up call you need."(- Rich Karlgaard, Forbes)

"The Innovator's Dilemma is becoming a handbook for CEOs remaking their businesses for the Net." BusinessWeek

"This book addresses a tough problem that most successful companies will face eventually. It's lucid, analytical - and scary." Dr. Andrew S. Grove, chairman & CEO, Intel Corporation

"The Innovator's Dilemma captures the critical role of leadership in creating markets."(- John Seely Brown, chief scientist, Xerox Corp., and director, Xerox Parc)

"The Innovator's Dilemma has become the book to read among mainstream managers trying to dope out an Internet strategy." New York Times

"Clayton Christensen's groundbreaking book...brings fresh insight and understanding to the complex and critically important relationships between technological change and business success...His conclusions provide food for thought for the top management of every company."(- Richard N. Foster, Director, McKinsey & Company)

This radical, national bestseller has transformed corporate America by proving that great companies can fail precisely because they do everything right. The author, a Harvard professor, then demonstrates how to avoid a similar fate as businesses race online into the 21st century.

Clayton M. Christensen is a professor at the Harvard Business School.

How can great firms fail? Insights from the hard disk drive industry — Value networks and the impetus to innovate — Disruptive technological change in the mechanical excavator industry — What goes up, can't go down — Give responsibility for disruptive technologies to organizations whose customers need them — Match the size of the organization to the size of the market — Discovering new and emerging markets — Performance provided, market demand, and the product life cycle — Managing disruptive technological change: a case study — The dilemmas of innovation: a summary.