Which stage of the innovation continuum focuses on finding new uses for existing items or processes?

The stage of the innovation continuum that emphasizes finding new uses for existing items or processes is the expansionary stage. This stage is characterized by the exploration and adaptation of existing technologies, products, or processes to create additional value or functionality. Organizations in this phase typically focus on incremental improvements or modifications that enhance the utility or effectiveness of what they already have rather than creating entirely new products from scratch.

In the context of innovation, this approach often leads to increased efficiency and extended product life cycles, as it capitalizes on established frameworks and resources. By identifying new applications or markets for current offerings, organizations can benefit from lower risk and investment compared to more radical innovations.

On the other hand, the sustaining stage is often more about maintaining competitiveness through continuous improvement rather than exploring new applications. The disruptive stage relates to innovations that redefine industries or markets, while the transformational stage focuses on groundbreaking changes that significantly alter the way organizations operate or deliver value. Thus, these other stages do not concentrate on leveraging existing capabilities in the same way that the expansionary stage does.