Over the last decade our research has covered many avenues of strategic inquiries. Probably the most interesting recurring theme has focused on answering one key question that engineering and science-based companies have asked themselves for years.

The simplest and lowest-risk product releases are updates to existing offerings that represent continuous improvement. Usually this means the addition of new features and functions, often guided by customer input.

Let’s analyze one of the world’s most recent and amazing global disruptions; Apple and the cell phone industry. Simply put, Apple replaced the cell phone with a handheld computer, revolutionary touchscreen interface...