THE ROLE OF DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION IN START-UPS AND TRANSFORMING SMALL BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

• Sheldon J. Lotz Department for Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1663-4862
• Blaine Verhage Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0841-9260
• Emelia Masele Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6856-6807
• Chris Malanda Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8058-8286
• Ferdinand Senam Hassan Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2171-1332
• Schalk Grobbelaar Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8148-2440

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/35-4-3035

Abstract

In the digital era, start-ups benefit from expanded reach, faster scaling, and access to vast data sets, yet face heightened competition and the challenge of staying current with emerging innovations. Their role in the modern economy is amplified as they collaborate with incubators, investors, and academic institutions to foster innovation and growth. Agile development methods and disruptive innovation bolster their competitiveness against larger incumbents. Leveraging digital technologies and combining resources are further recognised as pivotal success factors driving disruptive innovations in start-ups.