Disruptive Innovation vs Disruptive Technology: The Disruptive Potential of the Value Propositions of 3D Printing Technology Startups

Abstract

This article describes an empirical study focusing on the classification of existing business opportunities in the 3D printing technology sector. The authors address three research questions. First, how do technology startups integrate new 3D printing technologies into specific market offers? Second, which value propositions are most attractive in terms of interest from the public and investors? Third, how does the degree of disruptiveness of value propositions relate to the degree of interest from the public and investors? The most notable finding is the link between the business traction of 3D printing technology startups and the degree of disruptiveness of their value propositions. Thus, the article provides empirical support for the conceptualization of the degree of disruptiveness of the value proposition as a metric for the evaluation of the business potential of new technology startups.