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Title
Theory of Disruptive Technologies and History of Lasers
Abstract
Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive technologies provides a framework for understanding how new technologies displace established ones over time. Central to the theory is the counterintuitive insight that disruptive technologies do not begin as superior—they typically underperform incumbent technologies on traditional performance metrics before steadily improving. The history of lasers offers multiple examples of this pattern, making the theory essential for understanding how laser‑based systems have displaced legacy technologies and how they are likely to continue doing so.
Bio
Scott Keeney is CEO and co-founder of nLIGHT a leader in high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers headquartered in Camas, WA.
nLIGHT lasers are used in a broad range of defense, space and advanced manufacturing applications. nLIGHT completed its initial public offering in April 2018 and is traded on Nadaq: LASR.
Previously, Scott was CEO of Aculight (acquired by Lockheed) and a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Scott began his career in manufacturing.
Scott holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from the University of Washington.