Effects of Disruptive Innovation at an Industry Level: A Case Study of Mobile Network Operators

Abstract: The primary purpose of this thesis is to provide a framework for assessing potential effects of disruptive innovation at an industry level. The findings of our primary purpose will contribute to the theoretical field of disruptive innovation and have practical relevance. In addition we also have a secondary purpose, which is that this thesis shall describe how the mobile network operators have been affected by the disruptive innovation. We have created a theoretical framework and performed a case study of mobile network operators to achieve the purpose of this thesis. The case study has been conducted through an examination of value migration, interviews and gathering of information. We have provided an assessment framework through our theoretical framework, case study and analysis. The theoretical framework provided 13 potential factors that can be affected by disruptive innovation and the analysis provided two additional factors, opportunities for complementors and perceptions about the future. The assessment framework can be used either ex-ante to analyze possible future effects of an upcoming disruptive innovation at an industry level, or ex-post to understand how an industry has changed.