Exploring Innovation in Action: The Dimming of the Light Bulb

Can you map the different kinds of innovation in the case study? Which were incremental and which radical/discontinuous? Why? Give examples to support your answer.

The term innovation implies the use of resources to improve or change a reality or object. It is viewed as a better solution to a challenge or need. In this case study, various inventions/innovations, such as the use of carbon arc lamp for lightening, are discussed. The case study also explains the process of technological improvement by employing different sources and instruments. For instance, at the beginning of the study, it is mentioned that the need for a safe lightening to work in mines, Humphrey Davey invented carbon arc lamp. Similarly, because of this advancement, various other sources were explored to provide lightening in a safer environment. Therefore, we can say that innovation is a better solution to address a need and in this case study two innovations, carbon arc lamp. Lightening bulb with filament and LED light, are mentioned. All these innovations are connected and somehow played a part in the invention and development of each other.

Some of these innovations were incremental; whereas other innovations were radical and opened new avenues. For instance, carbon arc industry improved its products because of the radical changes in the lightening bulb industry; however, these changes were incremental. There was a limit, to which innovation could improve the design and functioning of the carbon arc lamp. This incremental innovation and eventual phasing out of the lamps can be understood with the help of Sailing Ship Effect.

From the year 1886 to 1920, electric lightening evolved in phases. Innovations of the first phase radically improved design and performance, whereas during the second stage innovation was incremental. However, during the later stage of its improvement or evolution, which was slow, the industry began to explore new means and identified LED as a source of lightning. The Sailor Effect again came into play and resulted in gradual phase-out of traditional (filament) light bulb.

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