The phrases "next Kodak" and "next Nokia" are often used metaphorically in business and tech to describe companies that fail to adapt to major industry shifts — but they emphasize different types of failure:
"Next Kodak"
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Meaning: A company that invents or recognizes a disruptive innovation early but fails to capitalize on it.
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Reference: Kodak actually invented the digital camera in 1975 but didn’t pursue it aggressively, fearing it would cannibalize its film business.
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Failure type: Missed opportunity due to fear of self-disruption.
"Next Nokia"
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Meaning: A company that dominates the market but fails to keep up with technological evolution or user trends.
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Reference: Nokia was the global leader in mobile phones but failed to adapt to the smartphone era, especially after the iPhone and Android rise.
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Failure type: Complacency and slow response to changing market trends.
Key Difference:
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Kodak = Early insight, but internal fear/stagnation blocked progress.
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Nokia = Late response, despite market dominance, lost touch with evolving consumer expectations.
These phrases are used to caution companies:
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“Don’t be the next Kodak” = Don’t ignore your own innovation.
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“Don’t be the next Nokia” = Don’t rest on your laurels.
Want some modern examples of companies being compared to either?