Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M1359

Sustaining Innovation

Sustaining Innovation
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Opposite of disruptive innovation. Refers to improving the performance of existing products to meet the needs of current customers (e.g., faster CPUs, clearer screens). This is the strength of large companies.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Consolidate existing advantages. Although disruptive innovation is glamorous, most profits come from sustaining innovation. It reminds us not to neglect continuous refinement of core business while pursuing change.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Sustaining innovation improves products along the performance trajectory within the existing value network, serving mainstream customers. It is the opposite of disruptive innovation, often mastered by incumbents but can also make them overlook disruption.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disruptive_innovationZH · Explicit
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