What are disruptive technologies?

Disruptive technologies are defined by their ability to fundamentally change the way industries operate, often leading to the replacement of existing technologies and rendering them obsolete. This occurs when new innovations introduce significant improvements or novel functionalities that challenge the status quo, thereby transforming how consumers engage with products or services.

For instance, consider how digital photography disrupted the traditional film industry. As digital cameras became more accessible, the reliance on film decreased dramatically, causing many film-based companies to struggle or even shut down. This illustrates how disruptive technologies not only innovate but can also lead to substantial changes in market dynamics and consumer behaviors.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the essence of disruptive technologies. Some may suggest reliability or enhancement of existing methods, but disruptive technologies inherently involve transformation rather than mere improvement or stability within established frameworks.