We live in an era where scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements are adorned by the global humanity for their ability to disrupt the existing ways of doing work and transacting businesses. It is primarily for this reason the term “innovation” has become synonymous with “disruption.” Start-ups are fueled by the mandate to move fast and disrupt existing market, break barriers of time and create new waves of excitement. However, this singular focus on disruption often overlooks the deeper, more profound purpose of human ingenuity: creation. We frequently mistake the initial turbulence caused by a new technology for its ultimate value. The challenge is not in the change itself, but in the direction of that change. True innovation, the kind that serves humanity and the planet, is not inherently destructive; its real value lies in its power of creativity and sustainable development.
Innovations Perceived as Disruptive
The common perception that innovations are disruptive has gained prominence inviting innovative minds to disrupt. What we forget however, that the creative power of innovation is far more stronger than what is envisaged at its nascent stage. The same applies to path breaking scientific breakthroughs and mind boggling technology advancements which are currently being perceived as powerful means of destruction of the long lasting and time tested systems. The recent developments of Industry 4.0 and advancement of AI and their powerful impact on the future of work and future of design and manufacturing are the finest examples of the creative power of innovation and technology advancement, perceived otherwise as destructive innovations. The challenge here however, is to create massive employment and keep the vast humanity engaged in productive work activity commensurate to their abilities and aptitude.
It is because of the perceived thrust on innovations for disruption, the young inspired minds are made to take up the route of disrupting the existing markets with their startups. Such a negatively focused mind-set creates apathy to existing time tested systems and technology tools, creating a feeling of disrespect for the evolutionary pathways of scientific advancement and technology development. This undermines both the value as well as purpose of innovation. Innovations are, in true sense, the outcome of human ingenuity conceived and expressed by the inspired minds of innovators for a larger purpose of moving the global humanity on pathways of progress and prosperity cultivated by a sustained focus on economic and social transformation that guarantees peace, progress and sustainable prosperity.
It is heartening that the Nobel Prize in Economics this year (2025 ) has been awarded to the Laureates “for having explained innovation-driven economic growth and for the theory of sustained growth through creative destruction” caused by innovations and technology advancement. “The laureates’ work show that economic growth cannot be taken for granted. We must uphold the mechanisms that underly creative destruction, so that we do not fall back into stagnation,” said John Hassler, Chair of the Committee for the prize in economic sciences while announcing the Nobel Prize for the year 2025.
Innovations to serve the Larger Purpose, beyond Economic Growth
But economic progress alone is not the mandate of innovation. Creative destruction must not lose its sight of the larger purpose of innovation that connects human ingueinity to safeguarding the future by conserving natural resources, enriching biodiversity, maintaining good health of the environment and a natural balance between development and quality of life. It should not happen that in the mad rush for economic race, the human society is derailed from its responsibility to preserve and protect the very essentials that sustain life on Mother Planet Earth.
The hue and cry for the Climate Justice globally, enormous air and water pollution load in rapidly developing economies like India, loss of jobs for the millions in the developed as well as developing countries caused by integration of advanced smart and intelligent technologies in manufacturing and service sector and ever rising burden of diseases globally are to be some of the major concerns that the innovative inspired minds of economists, scientists and technologists. They individually as well as collectively need to invigorate their innovative minds to find cost effective, implementable solutions to address these current and future challenges with passion and purpose. To achieve such a noble objective, the creative power of innovation, spiritual strength of science and human face of technology need to be given increasing prominence in the corridors of both the policy planners as well as in the factories of innovation, that the universities of tomorrow are to be.
We have a lot to do and achieve high on the strength if the innovative genius of humankind. Green energy technologies, green mobility, green manufacturing, natural farming supported by path breaking advancements in agri-tech and food-tech sectors, major push to circular economy and redefining healthcare as wellness and well being, major amends to work and social life require the infinite creative power of innovation.
Changed Mindset Needed
It may be worth mentioning that Destructive innovation is a zero-sum game, largely focused on capturing a market share and profit from the existing pie. Creative innovation, by contrast, is a value-additive endeavor that grows the pie by solving systemic problems. It designs systems that are not just better, but fundamentally different and regenerative. This requires moving beyond maximizing profits and turnovers to address grand challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, employment creation and global inequality. Major shift from destructive to creative innovation will inspire innovators to redefine the purpose of innovation to build a future that is resilient, equitable, and lasting.
The younger generation, often characterized as Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, are highly motivated by purpose and impact. While they are often inspired to disrupt, they need to be mentored toward creating path-breaking applications and solutions to create a bright and blissful future for the humanity at large.
In summation, the current narrative of innovations and startups risks teaching Gen-Z that the highest form of success is the exit strategy or the fastest market takeover. The true lesson should be about legacy building and long-term impact. This will necessitate a major shift in our mindset and thrust of innovations, from disruption to creativity and sustainable development. The success for the innovators shall then be measured not by the valuation of their startups by by the impact quotient of their innovation on improving the quality of life of people and the health of the environment.
The Author Prof PB Sharma is a visionary thought leader, founder Vice Chancellor of Delhi Technological University, past president of association of Indian Universities and currently is the Vice Chancellor of Amity university Gurugram. The views expressed are the personal views of the author.
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