Week 11 Reading Reflection

You Need an Innovation Strategy

1)      What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

Honestly, I haven’t heard of the company, Corning. They don’t sound like a glass and materials company. However, I was surprised at how many breakthrough innovations they have created. They are the guys behind the scenes. Everyone knows about Thomas Edison inventing the light bulb. There are few who have heard of the person/company that created the glass envelope of the light bulb.

2)      Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

On the innovation landscaping map, architectural and disruptive categories seemed similar. They both described the object as in another form or channel. The internet versus a newspaper. Video on demand versus DVD rental.

3)      If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

1.      Why haven’t I heard of Corning before? It makes me think that I must either be out of the loop, or they are just the “behind the scenes” guys that make everything happen.

2.      What were Apple’s trade-offs? Apple was mentioned a few times in the text, and I’m curious to know.

4)      Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

      There was nothing that stood out to me as a disagreement. However, if innovation is viable to a company’s long term health, wouldn’t companies maintain an innovation officer to keep company on track?