Disrupting the Automotive Industry: A Case Study of Tesla Motors
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Davis, Benjamin
Date Issued
April 6, 2016
Abstract
By standard economic models, profit-seeking firms will pursue technologies and innovation that is low risk and in line with consumer demands, sustaining innovation. Yet in practice, disruptive innovation, innovation that transforms existing technology and markets, is a recurring phenomenon. In the automobile industry, the effect of disruptive technology can be seen in the aftermath of the electric car. Tesla, an early entrant to the electric vehicle market, counters theoretical predictions by introducing products in a top-down fashion, yet succeeds in forcing incumbent firms to explore new technologies. While Tesla-created EV and AT technologies are only just entering mainstream markets, the pace of innovation hints that they will be a disruptor in the years to come.
Major
Economics
First Reader(s)
Nonnenmacher, Tomas W.
Other Reader(s)
Onyeiwu, Stephen Z.
Department
Economics
Type of Publication
Senior Project Paper
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
2015_16_Davis_Tesla.pdf
Description
Senior Project
Size
1.09 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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