Exactly. During periods of intense change, companies and individuals often hold back on making big decisions or investments because the landscape is shifting rapidly. Dominant designs—the established models, products, or standards in an industry—may become less stable, making it unclear which technologies, business models, or strategies will prevail. This uncertainty can lead to:
Investment Hesitancy: Firms are reluctant to commit resources to initiatives that might soon be outdated or rendered irrelevant by new developments. This hesitancy can delay product launches, tech adoption, and even mergers or acquisitions.
Decision-Making Paralysis: Uncertain environments make it difficult for leaders to commit to a single course of action, especially when there is no clear "winning" design or standard. Consequently, they may delay decisions while waiting for more clarity or additional information.
Increased Focus on Flexibility: Instead of locking into one path, companies might focus on keeping options open, maintaining flexibility, or investing in adaptable systems that can evolve with the industry.
Adaptation and Transition Costs: Adjusting to new dominant designs or standards can also be costly. Organizations may need to retrain staff, retool processes, or restructure their operations, all of which take time and resources.
This dynamic often causes a temporary lull in innovation or forward momentum, as stakeholders wait for a clearer picture of which trends will dominate before making major moves.
