The Innovator's Dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail

I want to solve social problems using technology. Poverty, disease, and lack of education are problems that have remained rather unfazed despite the technological revolution. I understand my ignorance in supposing some technological invention will magically rid the world of these trials. Yet I dream big and I am optimistic of future days. I am very interested in entrepreneurship and innovation in a computer science context. Clayton Christensen discusses many tools for effective innovation in, "The Innovator's Dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail." He argues that technology is changing traditional business models. What were thought to be wise management choices in the past now lead to a company's demise. Companies have to be quick to pivot and adapt to ever-changing technology. They must listen to customers, but also know, "when it is right not to listen to customers," according to Christensen. Innovation is change. And because the world is changing, even the way we change is changing. Anticipating and making correct decisions based on this change will lead to more effective innovation. In my case, I hope this will lead to more effectively finding solutions to problems in society. My vision is to apply technology in out-of-the-box, unconventional ways to help people. Who knows, maybe technology can help alleviate poverty, eradicate disease, or educate the uneducated. Using tools learned from, "The Innovator's Dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail," I will strive to see it happen.