In today's business environment, firms must navigate labor shortages, market shifts, geopolitical tensions that strain supply chains and manufacturing, and mandates to adopt sustainable practices. Meeting these demands will require innovation rooted in breakthrough science and engineering. Even companies in less R&D-intensive sectors will need to look to science-based innovators - so-called deep-tech startups as they seek solutions to their key challenges.
Deep tech describes a category of solutions rooted in atoms rather than bits — such as new materials, synthetic biology, fusion energy, and quantum computing-and grounded in cutting-edge research. Deep-tech ventures are startups dedicated to taking ideas from the lab bench to scaled global impact. And although these companies have great promise, adopting their breakthrough developments requires patience, a tolerance for risk, and capital.
Deep tech can benefit businesses across a range of sectors, including industries such as financial services, infrastructure, and retail, where R&D spending has traditionally been low, roughly 4% or less of sales revenue. Quantum computing, for example, presents significant opportunities for the financial services sector, particularly in terms of data analysis and security enhancement. The emergence of new eco-friendly cement and steel holds promise for transforming the sustainable footprint within the historically carbon-intensive construction industry. And the introduction of innovative materials in the fashion sector offers substantial potential to enhance customer experiences while reducing waste.
Denne historien er fra Fall 2024-utgaven av MIT Sloan Management Review.
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Denne historien er fra Fall 2024-utgaven av MIT Sloan Management Review.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Avoiding Harm in Technology Innovation
To capitalize on emerging technologies while mitigating unanticipated consequences, innovation managers need to establish a systematic review process.
Make a Stronger Business Case for Sustainability
When greener products and processes add costs, managers can shift other levers to maintain profitability.
How to Turn Professional Services Into Products
Product-based business models can help services firms achieve greater scale and profitability. But the transformation can be challenging.
Do You Really Need a Chief AI Officer?
The right answer depends on the strategic importance and maturity of AI in your company.
Where To Next? Opportunity on the Edge
Doing business in regions considered less stable or developed can pay off for companies. But they must invest in working with local communities.
Make Smarter Investments in Resilient Supply Chains
Many companies invest in resilience only after a disruption. Applying the concept of real options can help decision makers fortify supply chain capabilities no matter the crisis.
The Three Traps That Stymie Reinvention
Organizational identity, architecture, and collaboration can be either assets or liabilities to pursuing growth in new sectors.
What Makes Companies Do the Right Thing?
Vaccine makers varied widely in their engagement with global public health efforts to broaden access to COVID-19 immunizations. Ethically motivated leadership was a dominant factor.
Build the Right C-Suite Team for Your Strategy
CEOs can foster a more effective leadership team by understanding when to tap senior executives' competitive instincts and when to encourage collaboration.
A Better Way to Unlock Innovation and Drive Change
A strengths-based approach to building teams can win employee commitment to change and foster an inclusive, agile culture.
