Mar 05 2025 69 mins 2
In this episode of The Innovation Show, host Aidan McCullen welcomes back esteemed guest Gary Hamel, celebrated business strategist and co-author of the revolutionary article on core competencies. They dive deep into the concept of competence-based competition, discussing the origins, importance, and modern applications of core competencies. Gary shares insights from his extensive work alongside CK Prahalad and reflects on how their ideas shaped corporate strategy. Using historical and contemporary examples, including Tesla and HAIER, they explore how focusing on deep skills can lead to enduring competitive advantages. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovation, strategy, and the future of business in a rapidly evolving world. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 The Concept of Competence-Based Competition 01:24 Historical Context and Development 02:26 Core Competence and Strategic Implications 05:03 Challenges and Misinterpretations 13:37 Modern Examples and Applications 28:23 Strategic Conversations and Future Focus 35:12 The Danger of Viewing Companies as Product Sets 35:33 Intel vs. TSMC: A Strategic Misstep 37:56 Bounded Innovation and Core Competencies 38:49 Uber's Broader Vision Beyond Ride-Hailing 42:23 Amazon's Evolution from Online Retailer to Logistics Giant 43:21 US Car Makers' Myopia and Missed Opportunities 44:24 Historical Examples: Honda and Sony 47:01 Tesla: An Energy Company, Not Just a Car Maker 48:08 Microsoft's Myopic View and Missed Opportunities 56:00 The Importance of Organizational Flexibility 01:02:26 Encouraging Internal Innovation 01:08:42 Conclusion and Next Steps
