Escapist Syndrome

Definition

A strategic pathology where R&D-driven organizations become lost in pursuit of technological utopia, squandering resources on hopelessly futuristic inventions. Success at innovation creates a cult of invention that loses connection to market reality, production constraints, and economic viability. The organization's cognitive function becomes detached from practical considerations.

Diagnostic Criteria

1. Organization has history of breakthrough innovations
2. R&D department dominates organizational culture
3. Development projects are increasingly futuristic and expensive
4. Marketing and production are viewed as necessary evils
5. Customers are seen as unsophisticated nuisances

Symptoms

• Impractical futuristic products ahead of their time
• Products too expensive to develop and buy
• Company becoming its own toughest competitor (premature obsolescence)
• Goals expressed in technical rather than market terms
• Loose structures breeding chaos in complex operations
• Scientists dominating with utopian culture
• Resources squandered on grand inventions
• Long delays and cost overruns in development

Risk Factors

• History of breakthrough R&D success
• Visionary technical leadership (Ph.D.s with missionary zeal)
• Flexible think-tank organizational structure
• Strong R&D culture and identity
• Success that reinforces innovation-at-all-costs mentality

References