Disruptive Innovation: Strategies for a Successful Enterprise

Harvard executive education participants engaged in discussion on HBS campus with Klarman hall in background

Uncover how to harness innovation, lead breakthrough change, and sustain enterprise success through disruptive innovation.

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Nearly 30 years ago, late HBS professor Clayton Christensen introduced the revolutionary concept of disruptive innovation which transformed the business world and still universally applies today.

Disruptive Innovation helps strategic decision-makers understand how disruption works and when to invest in disruptive business models. Learn how to drive innovation in a landscape of evolving industries, technologies, and competitive forces.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Grasp what disruption really means and how it works in a business and organizational context  

  • Apply disruptive theories to complex problems and opportunities 

  • Make better decisions through strategic analysis and predictive frameworks  

  • Identify when a potential disruptor will be successful  

  • Establish your ideal market, optimize resources, and maximize your capabilities  

  • Leverage strategic analysis and predictive frameworks to make key decisions in a rapidly changing world

Program Format

  • 6
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for Senior executives, general managers, or business owners responsible for setting strategic direction for their organizations.

Individuals and teams are welcome to attend. Sending two or more representatives from your organization fosters teamwork and amplifies program impact.

HBS also offers a self-paced, online version of this program for individuals with less work experience or teams over 20.

Global Perspective

A diverse group of four executives laughing and engaging in a casual business meeting, seated around a wooden table with documents
7%
Africa
14%
Asia Pacific
18%
Europe
12%
Latin America
12%
Middle East
37%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 22%

    Financial

  • 9%

    High Technology

  • 8%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 7%

    Health Care

  • 7%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 6%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 5%

    Consumer Products

  • 5%

    Manufacturing

  • 5%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 4%

    Professional Services

Experience

Years Worked

  • 2%

    Less than 10 years

  • 12%

    10-14 years

  • 24%

    15-19 years

  • 25%

    20-24 years

  • 21%

    25-29 years

  • 10%

    30-34 years

  • 4%

    35-39 years

  • 2%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Accenture
  • Anglo American
  • Citibanamex
  • Intel
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Fidelity
  • Globo
  • Maersk Group
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Samsung Group
  • Saudi Telecom
  • Verizon

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.