Organisations that fail to adapt to new technology are like dial-up internet in a hyper-fibre world – outdated, slow, and destined for irrelevance. The journey from “I’ve never heard of it” to “It’s too powerful and needs to be regulated” isn’t just a learning curve; it’s the blueprint of every major technological disruption. Time and again, innovation has overturned entire industries, unlocking immense economic value while leaving behind those unwilling to change.

“I’ve Never Heard of It.”

In the beginning, groundbreaking ideas like the personal computer were virtually unknown. Mainframes dominated computing, and the idea of a computer on every desk seemed like science fiction. Few could have predicted that these devices would eventually become the engine of modern business and personal productivity.

“I’ve Heard of It, But Don’t Understand It.”

The concept of the personal computer was shrouded in mystery for many people. Early microcomputers, like the Altair 8800, puzzled potential users with their limited interfaces and technical complexity. Despite the confusion, visionary thinkers saw the potential to democratise computing power – an idea that would eventually disrupt expensive (and complex) mainframe systems.

“I Understand It, But I Don’t See How It’s Useful.”

With a basic grasp of the technology, many still questioned its practical value. Early personal computers were dismissed as hobbyist tools with limited business applications. Yet innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates demonstrated that these machines could disrupt traditional models by replacing costly mainframes and sparking a software revolution that created entirely new markets (and businesses).

“I Use It, But It’s Just a Toy.”

When personal computers first arrived, they were often treated as novelties. They were used for games and simple word processing tasks rather than the indispensable productivity devices they are today. This “toy” phase was crucial: it was the time of mass experimentation when individuals with the knowledge and new ideas began developing applications that would transform these gadgets into powerful engines for creativity, productivity, and economic growth.

Similarly, Netflix started as a DVD rental service (by post) a modest, playful idea that later disrupted Blockbuster’s rental model of going to a store to get a movie. The transition from experimentation to dominance follows a pattern seen in many transformative technologies. (Blockbuster had the chance to acquire Netflix for $50M but declined, which was an expensive mistake)

“It’s Becoming More Useful for Me.”

As software advanced and connectivity expanded, the economic value of personal computers and the internet skyrocketed. The advent of the internet turned isolated devices into connected gateways for global communication and commerce. Disruptors like Amazon and eBay leveraged this connectivity to transform retail, creating immense economic value and fundamentally reshaping traditional industries.

“I Use It All the Time.”

At this stage, technology becomes deeply integrated into daily life. Businesses migrate online, and digital workflows replace manual, paper-based processes. The transformation is so profound that established models are disrupted—just as digital streaming supplanted physical video rentals, leaving Blockbuster behind—while new ventures flourish by exploiting the efficiencies and scalability of digital platforms.

“I Could Not Imagine Life Without It.”

The leap from clunky, room-filling machines to pocket-sized devices is nothing short of astonishing. It reminds us just how far we have come and what incredible possibilities lie ahead. Real-time communication, online banking, and e-commerce have not only boosted productivity but also spawned entirely new industries, generating significant economic value. Even the evolution of cellular phones, which transformed from bulky gadgets into indispensable smart devices, illustrates how technology can redefine everyday life and fuel the emergence of entirely new markets and channels.

“Seriously, People Lived Without It?”

Reflecting on the dramatic transformation, it’s astonishing to consider how economies operated before these innovations. The leap from analogue to digital, from typewriters and rotary phones to PCs and smartphones, underscores the monumental shift in value creation. Entire industries built on outdated models were disrupted as digital solutions unlocked new efficiencies and opportunities, leaving many legacy systems in the dust.

“It’s Too Powerful and Needs to Be Regulated.”

With ubiquitous digital power comes responsibility. As technology becomes central to our lives, concerns over privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical usage emerge. The same innovations that drive economic growth now prompt debates over regulation. Today’s discussions around artificial intelligence and big data echo earlier moments of disruption, ensuring that while the economic benefits are immense, they are balanced against potential societal risks.

The Big(ger) Picture

The journey of the personal computer and the internet is an illustration of how disruptive technology creates economic value. Mainframes gave way to desktops, analogue retail was upended by e-commerce, and digital photography rendered film companies obsolete. New ventures emerged, leveraging innovations to create entirely new business models, while established giants that resisted change found themselves overtaken.

Today, AI is following the same trajectory. What was once a novelty is now essential, and soon, businesses that resist AI-powered workflows will be as outdated as a fax machine in the age of instant messaging.

Success in today’s fast-paced world isn’t just about inventing or adopting new technology; it’s about knowing when to adopt, scale, and continuously innovate.

So, ask yourself: Are you ready to leave outdated methods behind and harness the transformative power of modern technology like AI, or will you remain stuck with dialup while everyone is on hyper fibre?

The question isn’t whether disruption will happen, it’s whether you’ll be the disruptor or the disrupted. The choice is yours.

Read – Morgan Housel’s – Same as Ever on the things that stay the same in a world that’s always changing. The author argues that to move forward in life, we don’t have to speculate about the future, but we have to look at the past and identify the things that never change.