Experts and Disruption: A Perspective from Peter Diamandis
Peter Diamandis, the founder of OpenExO and one of the most influential thinkers in the field of innovation, argues that experts in a field are usually unable to create disruption. According to him, these experts are influenced and accustomed to the status quo and, when faced with any idea that challenges established norms, they often respond that it cannot be done or that it has already been tried.
Diamandis is a fascinating figure with a unique vision of the future. He is an engineer and entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded more than 20 cutting-edge companies, including the XPRIZE Foundation, Singularity University, and of course, OpenExO.
This perspective, though it may seem controversial, has certain logic. People who are deeply rooted in a system may find it difficult to see beyond it and to imagine radically new and different ways of doing things.
But, is this always true? Are experts always prisoners of their own experiences and knowledge? Personally, I believe that this view is partially correct. But I also think that it is too simplistic.
It’s true that we have seen examples of this dynamic in action. For instance, with SpaceX and its revolutionary reusable rocket, which has proven to be not only possible but also much cheaper than traditional methods. In this case, one could argue that space industry experts were unable to see beyond the “normal” way of doing things.
But, does this mean that experts are incapable of creating disruption? Not necessarily. I wonder if an expert could create disruption using a disruptive design thinking framework.
I believe it’s possible, although difficult. It is not easy to overcome the biases inherent in our knowledge and experience. But if we do, the potential can be enormous.
So, will the next big disruptive idea come from an expert or an outsider? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: whether you know how to do it or not, don’t stand aside. The world needs your ideas, no matter how crazy they may seem.