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Disruptive technologies
Breakthroughs that change our lives
Reading time: 11 min
The wheel, the light bulb, and the cellphone are three examples of disruptive
technologies. At the time, these innovations caused a profound break with previous
patterns, bringing about major changes in people's lives.
For this to happen, disruptive companies adopt business models that allow them to
innovate in the market. That's why one of their most valuable assets is their Research
and Development (R&D) department, a division that aims to develop new products or
improve existing ones in order to cover a need in society.
What does innovation or disruptive technology mean?
Disruptive innovation is defined as technology that is
capable of disrupting an already established market by
following a set of patterns. An innovation that is originally
focused on aGlobal
niche and with the passing of time achieves
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a good share of the market, overtaking the previous one.
Harvard Business School professor and business consultant, Clayton Christensen, coined the
term “disruptive innovation” in the magazine Harvard Business Review back in 1995.
For Christensen, technology that causes a relevant change and abruptly interrupts the way in
which industries, companies, and consumers operate constitutes a disruptive innovation. This
process represents a period of adaption such as what we are experiencing with the Fourth
Industrial Revolution, marked by digitalization and emerging technological advances.
A good example is personal computers, as the technological advancement in this field shows
clear disruptive elements. If we take a look back, we see how computers completely
transformed our way of studying, working, and spending leisure time. Schools and families
wanted to buy a computer, increasing demand, and as a result, the typewriter began to fall into
disuse, thus producing notable changes in the market.
Examples of disruptive technologies
For a technology to be considered disruptive it has to modify a habit or behavior and be
accessible to the majority of the population. Many of them are closely related to the so-called
professions of the future. Let’s find out some characteristics of the current disruptive
technologies.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology is applied in a digitalized workflow to create shared, transparent,
and more secure processes. It works like a chain of blocks in which all nodes are
connected to each other, so it guarantees the traceability of any process, creating a
unique registration network that reduces risks and costs.
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5G technology
What does incorporating 5G technology imply? In the last year a lot has been spoken
about this topic, as it will mean a change in the telecommunications sector. 5G will
definitively introduce the Internet of Things (IoT) into our daily lives. This disruptive
technology will make it possible for all devices to be connected and share information at
high speed.
Advanced Virtual Reality
When we speak about Advanced Virtual Reality, we associate this concept with
entertainment. However, this technology represents an authentic revolution in many other
areas. For example, at Repsol we are working with the Digital Twins technique to model
our plants. This allows us to create a virtual simulation model to be more flexible and agile
Global changing circumstances.
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in the face of possible
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the combination of algorithms that are programmed so that a
machine carries out actions that until now were carried out by humans, such as learning
from data analysis or planning. Machine Learning is a discipline within the AI field that
allows computers to learn for themselves and carry out tasks autonomously.
Cloud services
Cloud services, also known as cloud computing, allow files to be saved on the internet
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external storage equipment. This disruptive technology represents
advantages for companies because it allows users to enjoy management tools from any
place in the world by just connecting from their device.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter in very small sizes (between one
and one hundred nanometers). This disruptive technology will allow stronger, lighter, and
tougher materials to be generated than those currently used. Graphene is a good example
of this revolutionary innovation with applications in areas such as energy, personal care
products, food and pharmaceutical product packaging, and much more.
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Big Data
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Big Data collects and manages large volumes of data that are then analyzed and applied
to a specific area. We can say that it is a smart analysis tool to make more profitable and
efficient decisions. This disruptive technology represents a great competitive advantage
for companies because it reduces costs, saves time, decreases margin for error in
processes, and improves the quality of the final product.
3D printing
3D printing promises big advances in very diverse areas: electronic engineering,
automotive, jewelery, architecture, regenerative medicine, and even in the food sector, with
the printing of edible items. This technology represents a big change in the development
of products and in its manufacturing process, as it allows us to quickly test an idea,
continuously produce, and reduce costs in the construction of prototypes.
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Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity or technology security is the set of processes and tools that are
implemented to save information that any device, program, or company generates. With
the use of network systems, software, and applications, the execution of security
protocols is necessary to protect confidential, private, or sensitive information.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing contributes to solving complex problems and creating effective
algorithms in little time. This paradigm allows information to be processed at very high
levels with multiple applications. For example, in the area of health, it could contribute to
creating new personalized pharmaceuticals. And in the finance sector, it could accurately
anticipate changes in the market.
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Hyper-personalization
Hyper-personalization can create a unique and exclusive service or product for each
customer. Using Artificial Intelligence, and real-time data, companies can create superpersonalized strategies and improve user experience. This type of innovation has broad
applications in the marketing and communication world.
Chatbots and smart assistants
Almost everyone has had some experience with chatbots or virtual assistants,
technologies that offer 24/7 customer service. However, there are differences between
them. Chatbots are software that maintain a conversation with a person automatically and
autonomously. While a smart assistant carries out a series of questions to find out the
user’s likes and interacts in a more natural way, simulating a real conversation, as if it were
with a real person.
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Smart Cities
Smart cities are those cities that apply Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
to improve its infrastructure, mobility, and public services. The aim of Smart Cities is to
place people at the center of ecodesign and sustainable development, creating a value
network and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Computational chemistry
Computational chemistry uses methods and programs to solve specific chemistry
problems, saving time and resources. Instead of carrying out multiple experiments at the
laboratory, appropriate parameters are entered into the computer to predict what formula
would be the most optimal. Furthermore, this disruptive technology is also useful for
understanding the reactions that occur in flasks in the field of experimental chemistry.
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Fingerprints
Digital fingerprinting is a security system that verifies the identity of a person using an
electronic device with the aim of defending copyright. To control the unauthorized copy of
content, a series of bits are introduced into a medium (for example, a DVD, Blu-ray, or pen
drive) that detects unauthorized copies.
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