Research on the processes and mechanisms of high-end disruptive innovation driven by user demands: An exploratory case study of Haier's oxygen-controlled freshness refrigerator

Liu Haibing; Zhou Qizhen; Huang Tianwei; Wang Xu; Zhang Hong

doi:10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.04.011

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Science Research Management ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4) : 109-118. DOI: 10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.04.011 CSTR: 32148.14.kygl.2026.04.011

Research on the processes and mechanisms of high-end disruptive innovation driven by user demands: An exploratory case study of Haier's oxygen-controlled freshness refrigerator

Liu Haibing ¹^,²^,³ ,
Zhou Qizhen ¹^,² ,
Huang Tianwei ¹^,⁴ ,
Wang Xu ¹ ,
Zhang Hong ¹^,³

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Abstract

High-end disruptive innovation (HDI) alters the performance metrics of incumbent technological trajectories by introducing novel functionalities and discontinuous technical standards, thereby catalyzing breakthroughs in emerging technologies. Focusing on Haier's Oxygen-Controlled Freshness Refrigerator as a pivotal case study, this research employed a single-case methodology to investigate the processes and mechanisms through which user demands drive HDI. Key findings revealed: (1) The HDI process driven by user demands comprises three core phases: fuzzy front-end phase, R&D phase, and commercialization phase. (2) During the fuzzy front-end phase, user demand reinforces the organizational practices of technological innovation based on the logic of innovation for HDI. In the R&D phase, an equilibrium framework is established to balance the "Novelty-Feasibility-Economy" (NFE) triad, enabling the translation of scientific principles into technological products. At the commercialization phase, user demands operate through "embedding" and "realization" mechanisms, accelerating HDI's legitimacy attainment in market acquisition, diffusion, and eventual disruption. (3) The dual mechanisms underpin user demand-driven HDI: "technological breakthrough mechanisms" (encompassing core technology accumulation, innovation ecosystem orchestration, and brand catalysis) and "market responsiveness mechanisms" (manifested through organizational agility enhancement). On this basis, corresponding managerial implications are proposed: prioritizing economic viability in HDI, optimizing user data governance protocols, and instituting closed-loop management systems spanning from demand comprehension to realization.

Key words

user demand / disruptive innovation / high-end disruptive innovation / process and mechanism / case study

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Liu Haibing , Zhou Qizhen , Huang Tianwei , et al . Research on the processes and mechanisms of high-end disruptive innovation driven by user demands: An exploratory case study of Haier's oxygen-controlled freshness refrigerator[J]. Science Research Management. 2026, 47(4): 109-118 https://doi.org/10.19571/j.cnki.1000-2995.2026.04.011

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