Explain the concept of disruptive innovation in the context of industry trends.

Disruptive innovation refers to the process by which a new product or service enters the market and eventually disrupts existing industries or creates entirely new ones. It often starts as a niche market and gradually improves until it becomes widely accepted, fundamentally changing the way businesses operate within an industry. Disruptive innovations tend to offer new functionalities or benefits that incumbents cannot match, initially appealing to low-end or overlooked segments of the market. Over time, they become competitive threats to established players, forcing them to adapt or risk being left behind. This concept was popularized by Clayton Christensen and has been observed in various industries, from technology to healthcare, showcasing the importance of innovation in shaping industry trends.