 "Disruptive" is the early-21-century buzzword. Merely placing the adjective in the vicinity of any noun or phrase elevates the topic to a level reserved for only the most out-of-the-box, ground-breaking, awe-inspiring events. Any technology described as disruptive, that is to say, as a "disruptive technology," is certain to cause a hush to fall across the room where it is introduced. Captains of industry are humbled at the announcement. Kings kneel in the presence of said disruptiveness. No amount of adulation, worship, exaltation and praise is sufficient to acknowledge its progenitor(s).
Seriously, though, although the term "disruptive technology" is grossly overused, it is an accurate description of a technology that represents a concept so unique that it literally changes the direction of an industry. Consider these examples in history. The invention of fire was probably the first disruptive technology, since it opened up a whole new career opportunity for prehistoric cookware vendors and chefs. No self-respecting cave man would continue to eat raw meat once fire was available. Next came the wheel: How disruptive was that? (as they’d say in New York). The newfound mobility that the wheel provided meant that Og and his family could finally move from the crime-ridden inner city caves to more spacious caves in the suburbs; the increased commute time was a small price to pay for the safety of his family. Mankind became abundantly fruitful and...
|