Video: BIF Advisor Clay Christensen on Rearchitecting Healthcare and Education

Christine Flanagan
February 13, 2009

The ability of technology to “disrupt” long-established business practices—dramatically changing the landscape of industries by increasing access, cutting costs, and revolutionizing delivery—has long been accepted and adopted by businesses large and small. Unfortunately, BIF research advisor Clayton Christensen has observed these radical, innovation-driven transformations have been largely absent in the education and health industries, perhaps the two most important areas of everyday life. (And certainly the areas most in need of deep change.)

This clip, from Christensen's appearance at our BIF-3 Collaborative Innovation Summit, is a real gem. Recorded just prior to the publication of his latest books, Disrupting Class and The Innovator’s Prescription, Christensen addresses how new technology can upend familiar institutions and fundamentally alter the way schooling and health care are delivered.

Having the opportunity to shape new ventures outside the current model can be very useful. Christensen cites the non-profit Business Innovation Factory as an autonomous place where organizations can pursue alternative channels without hindering their current value network. "It's important that new ventures — both public and private — have a solid foundation for success," he says. "The Business Innovation Factory is a place where good theory can be applied in a safe, manageable environment."

RELATED CONTENT

• BIF is currently working on its own disruptive innovation in elder care. Learn more about The Nursing Home of the Future
• Watch the entire video of Clay Christensen at our BIF-3 Summit
• Visit www.claytonchristensen.com