Miniature optics firms innovated architecturally in response
to changes in market needs or problems (i.e., drifting). During
the technological change, the architectural knowledge required
to exploit innovations changed but component knowledge was
enhanced. Both filmand digital cameras require optical devices,
thus the knowledge base and cumulative conditions for the
optical device industry did not experience drastic change.
However, one key development has been the introduction of
miniaturized lensesmade fromvariousmaterials for integration
with computers ormobile phones. Thus, rather than focusing on
the photographic industry, knowledge in optical devices has
been diversified into medical imaging, semiconductor lithography
and other applications. Realizing the growing demand for
smaller and cheaper optical lenses, i.e., the changes in market
needs or problems, Largan adopted the analyzer strategy [22]
to enhance optics component knowledge, and innovated
architecturally by developing technologies for manufacturing
plastic aspherical lenses [69] for the smartphone market
segment. While drifting market demand provided good
opportunity conditions for miniature optics, a strategic threat
to the incumbents is the race between market demand and
technological performance improvements. Innovation disruption
happenswhen the performance ofminiature optics reaches
the technological limit that falls behind mainstream market
demand.