How do you identify and evaluate potential disruptive ideas and opportunities? (2024)

To begin, start by looking around to see what's happening in the world. Pay attention to things like trends, problems, or needs that existing products or services aren't fully addressing. You can do this by gathering information from different places, like talking to customers, checking out industry reports, or even just browsing social media, news, and academic articles. Sometimes, you might also get new ideas by exploring what's working in other areas or cultures that have unique ways of approaching things.

In a corporate environment, one suggestion I have is to run periodic invention mining sessions. These are guided brainstorming sessions. Invention mining is a critical part of reducing what I call IP flight risk.

Identifying and evaluating disruptive ideas and opportunities involves thorough market research, trend analysis, competitor scrutiny, and cross-industry inspiration. Engage in brainstorming sessions, customer observations, and experimentation. Stay open to emerging technologies, cultural perspectives, and global insights. Collaborate with industry experts and analyze data for hidden trends. By considering diverse sources and approaches, you can unlock innovation and gain a competitive edge.

Filtering and prioritizing disruptive ideas is vital. Align with business goals, assess market demand, and consider feasibility and scalability. Prioritize customer-centric approaches and conduct risk-reward analysis. Validate through testing and validation and ensure economic viability. An innovative culture and resource allocation are key. Evaluate short and long-term impact, address legal and ethical concerns, and embrace feedback. These filters help uncover ideas with the potential to bring substantial positive changes to your organization and industry.

Innovation and disruption hinge on testing, not just analysis. Once results confirm 'what works', it is too easy to fit past insights and analysis to flatter the present. True, past acts and insights (graphs and reports) lay the foundations for innovation. But in the forward-looking view, before things are known to work, testing is where the quality of prospective foundations is revealed. Like in sports, 'shots on goal' often dictate winners; frequent, insightful tests lead to aggregate victories. And good testing is not easy. Intelligence, speed and cost are key. The 3D printer, the robotic assay, easy e-commerce, and the YouTube video, all enable in their unique ways faster, cheaper testing.

Testing disruptive ideas is vital. Methods include prototypes, A/B testing, surveys, user feedback, market research, and cost-benefit analysis. Lean Startup principles, scenario analysis, and cross-functional collaboration enhance the process. Thorough testing validates and refines ideas for potential disruption.

Scaling disruptive ideas is crucial. Use pilot programs, expand geographically, and grow your user base. Create variations, try different distribution channels, and explore strategic partnerships. Ensure your technology infrastructure can handle increased demand. Allocate necessary resources, build cross-functional teams, and continuously monitor performance. Adapt based on feedback, analyze competition, and measure market penetration. Scaling helps assess an idea's potential to disrupt on a larger scale.

In leading attained.ai, I've embraced humility and open-mindedness to identify disruptive ideas. Actively listening and observing user needs, fostering inclusive team discussions (advisory board being part of the team), and critically evaluating ideas with a data-driven approach have been crucial. Every misstep is a learning opportunity, driving innovation forward.

When you file an IP it's important to sign up a Non Disclosure certificate with the attorney so that you ensure the authority on your research.Issues of infringement are still a major bottle neck.Judiciary has to be strong on this judgement.Promoting IP is an important issue with Small companies.Commercializing Research is essential as well.These are some of the awareness campaigns being taken up by us.