Full exam for Leadership & Innovation in the Management Engineering degree programme at Politecnico di Milano. The document covers: L&I – Questions INNOVATION 09/06/2025 Dominant Design In the 1950s, the commercial aviation industry was undergoing a profound transformation, from slow, propeller-driven aircraft to high-speed jet airliners that promised shorter travel times and a new level of passenger
Full exam for Leadership & Innovation in the Management Engineering degree programme at Politecnico di Milano. The document covers: L&I – Questions INNOVATION 09/06/2025 Dominant Design In the 1950s, the commercial aviation industry was undergoing a profound transformation, from slow, propeller-driven aircraft to high-speed jet airliners that promised shorter travel times and a new level of passenger
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L&I – Questions INNOVATION 09/06/2025 Dominant Design In the 1950s, the commercial aviation industry was undergoing a profound transformation, from slow, propeller-driven aircraft to high-speed jet airliners that promised shorter travel times and a new level of passenger comfort. The British-built de Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jetliner, introduced pressurized cabins and turbojet propulsion. It had a sleek, elegant frame and was widely regarded as a symbol of post-war British engineering. However, design flaws (particularly the square windows that contributed to metal fatigue) led to fatal accidents, which damaged confidence in early jet designs and grounded fleets during a critical stage of commercial expansion. Later in the decade, Boeing launched the 707, a jetliner equipped with swept-back wings, engines mounted under the wings, and an oval shape. Its cabin design emphasized both safety and capacity, while its performance met the range and speed requirements of long-haul routes. The 707 was initially marketed to both military and civilian buyers and became a showcase model at multiple international air shows. As the jet era matured, other aircraft manufacturers began to introduce models that increasingly shared key structural and operational features with the 707. Industry infrastructure, from airport gates to pilot training simulators, also adapted to the functional profile exemplified by this aircraft. Boeing’s success with the 707 later supported the development of other key programs, including the 727 and the 747. Based on the scenario described above, what role did the Boeing 707 play in shaping the aviation industry? A. Disruptive Innovation B. Radical Innovation C. Dominant Design D. Technology Epiphany Justification: A. Disruptive…
D. Technology Epiphany: Incorrect. A technology epiphany occurs when an existing technology is suddenly reinterpreted or repurposed to serve a new and often surprising function or market, revealing unforeseen value. The Boeing 707 was not the result of such a reinterpretation. Instead, it was the product of careful engineering and strategic market positioning in response to an evolving but well- understood need: safer, faster, and more efficient long-haul air travel. The 707 did not reveal a new meaning or application for jet technology—it refined and formalized its most effective use. Innovation of Meaning In recent years, the fashion industry has come under pressure to become more sustainable, with growing attention to the environmental costs of fast fashion. At the same time, second-hand clothing has gained traction, initially promoted through thrift stores and resale platforms as a lower-cost, eco-conscious alternative. In this context, a new fashion brand, ReNown, has taken a distinct approach. Unlike traditional second- hand shops that emphasize affordability or environmental impact as required by the majority of consumers, ReNown presents its clothing through curated collections that highlight the past lives of the garments. Each item is accompanied by a short narrative that hints at its previous use, an old concert tee labeled " Audience to the midnight's echo", a leather jacket described as "last seen in a Berlin winter." These items are displayed in minimalist boutiques and styled in seasonal lookbooks, similar to luxury fashion houses. Customers are invited to add their own stories post-purchase through a QR-linked digital archive, making each garment part of a continuing chain of ownership. ReNown's campaign slogan “Wear what’s already been somewhere” has…
While ReNown does integrate boutiques, digital tags, and resale, the essence of the innovation is not technical or structural—it is semantic. The shift is in meaning, not architecture. D. Innovation of meaning – Correct. ReNown changes the cultural narrative of what it means to wear second-hand clothing—from an economic or ethical choice to a personal, emotional, and identity-driven act. It does not offer new functions or configurations; it offers a new symbolic value. The company offers a new meaning “Wear what’s already been somewhere” pushing the customer to buy that garment for the story behind rather than for the brand or functionality. This shift in consumer perception and purpose is the core of innovation of meaning. Market Pull The STARKVIND is a side table that incorporates a built-in air purifier, launched by IKEA as part of its smart home product line. Designed with IKEA’s signature minimalist aesthetic, it features HEPA-based filtration, silent operation, and full compatibility with the IKEA Home Smart app. The device comes in different finishes to blend with various home interiors, offering clean air and practical surface space in one discreet unit. The product gained immediate traction in metropolitan areas, where consumers face challenges such as limited space, polluted air, and the need for functional yet stylish furniture. This market witnessed increasing demand for home solutions that support physical well-being without sacrificing aesthetic cohesion. Visible wellness gadgets often clash with carefully curated spaces, and large, utilitarian appliances take up more room than they can afford to give. STARKVIND stands out not for what it adds to technical complexity, but for how naturally it fits into the evolving rhythms of everyday life. As living…
and technological advancements that precede market demand. “Designed with IKEA’s signature minimalist aesthetic, it features HEPA-based filtration, silent operation, and full compatibility with the IKEA Home Smart app” STARKVIND does not introduce novel or advanced air purification technology; rather, it applies existing technology to meet articulated consumer needs in a new product format. The core of the innovation is the market demand and not the technology push. D. Technology Epiphany: Incorrect. STARKVIND emerges in response to explicit market trends and consumer needs, rather than from an internal push to redefine product meaning or experience. In addition, STARKVIND does not introduce any novel or advanced technology, thus it is not possible to speak about technology epiphany. Platform In major European cities, a new service has emerged due to the growing number of young professionals who feel isolated despite living in busy urban environments. With rising concerns about mental health and the lack of real social interaction, the "Creative Lunch Club" offers members the chance to be matched with strangers for organized lunch experiences. Each event is built around shared interests, such as design, sustainability, or tech, and usually includes a short, theme-based challenge or creative activity. Participants pay for each event, choosing their role either as learners, who join to gain insights or skills, or providers, who share expertise or lead activities, with fees adjusted according to their selected contribution. The fee payment ensures the financial sustainability. To guide user interactions, a host orchestrates the session. Which is the best innovation model to frame Creative Lunch Club? A. Market pull innovation B. Transactional two-sided platform C.…
existing technology in an entirely new context. Despite the innovation was oriented to the military market, it is still focused on apparel and no information is given about where “ThermoMorph” fiber is based on the recombination of an existing technology. The ThermoMorph case reflects a deliberate and strategic technology repurposing, not a sudden revelation. Moreover the technology is new and not the adoption of existing technologies into a new field.
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