Polaroid went from ubiquity to obsolescence as digital photography replaced the print. But as early as the 1960s, Polaroid had been doing research into digital imaging. Did mistaken assumptions keep the company from making the transition to the digital world?
Polaroid was one of America's early high-tech success stories. Founded in 1937 by scientist Edwin Land, the company built its initial business during the interwar period, prospered as a defense contractor during World War II, and then found new success as an innovator in the post-war boom years.
[This article has been reproduced with permission from Qn, a publication of the Yale School of Management http://qn.som.yale.edu]
The article stresses the point that change is the only constant in business. Your assumptions about the business need to be updated else competition would force you out!
on Apr 6, 2010How true ..This articel reflects on what we know we must do but don't always do. Continual improvement. As an old adage goes its not always good to be on the track. If you are not running fast enough you will be soon run over.
on Apr 1, 2010