Learning from the past to build on the future
The fear of launching a project only to see it stall or fail is a common concern for many companies. In many instances, however, the failure isn't due to lack of effort or ambition, but rather an inability to adapt to rapid technological change. A prime example is BlackBerry. As Aaslaid (2018) notes, BlackBerry was once a dominant force in the telecommunications industry throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. The brand’s signature physical keyboard and seamless access to email and organizational tools made it the go-to device for professionals. At its peak, owning a BlackBerry signaled productivity and prestige (Cassavoy, 2018).
Despite its early success, BlackBerry failed to keep pace with the fast-moving mobile industry and officially exited the handset business in 2017. The company shifted its focus to software development—specifically enterprise security software and services tailored for IoT (Internet of Things) endpoints embedded with BlackBerry technology.
A modern-day example of evolving tech on the brink of disruption is the integration of ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality into wearable devices like smartwatches. Today, millions of individuals wear fitness trackers that sync with smartphones and monitor vital statistics such as steps, sleep patterns, and workout performance. But developers are now researching how to enhance these devices with ECG capabilities—a feature that could be a game-changer for preventative healthcare.
As Wedro (2018) defines, an ECG is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the electrical and muscular functions of the heart. Although performing the test is relatively simple, interpreting ECG data accurately requires specialized medical training. Incorporating this level of analysis into consumer-grade wearables represents both promise and challenge.
According to Technology Review (2019), ECG-capable smartwatches could significantly benefit users by providing early detection of heart irregularities. However, these devices were initially developed as fitness accessories, not medical instruments. This raises concerns among healthcare professionals about the reliability of data, especially given variables like watch band tightness and skin contact—both of which affect the accuracy of heart rate readings.
While some ECG-enabled watches are already in production and awaiting FDA approval, skepticism remains. Questions around affordability, accessibility, and the risk of false readings linger. Still, the potential is undeniable. Some companies already offer Apple Watch-compatible bands that claim to detect atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and even early signs of stroke, which suggests that accurate, wearable ECG solutions may not be far off.
In summary, whether it's a mobile company losing market relevance or emerging wearables offering potentially life-saving diagnostics, the lesson remains the same: innovation without adaptation is unsustainable. Success lies not just in having a groundbreaking idea, but in evolving it to meet the needs—and realities—of the market.
