Shapers and Adopters of Disruptive Innovation in the Telecommunications Sector of

2 Under conditions of pervasive change, the most difficult challenge facing the market leader is sustaining its leading position. The primary research problem statement relates to the construct of Disruptive Innovation that has the potential for new entrants to substantially alter the basis of competition and impact the business models of incumbents. Ultimately, how are shapers distinguished from adopters of Disruptive Innovation? A qualitative research methodology was selected given the nature of the research. The main findings from the analysis indicate that non-technological attributes distinguishes shapers from adopters of Disruptive Innovation in the telecommunications sector of South Africa. However, Disruptive Innovation as a construct, is largely unknown, and does not adequately explain the changes in the landscape of the telecommunications sector of South Africa. The implications for the research results are that other factors or features, such as the role and impact of the State, have a role to play in explaining the features of the South African telecommunications sector