ABSTRACT
The technical communication profession in the United States (and, for that matter, in Western Europe) is in the midst of an attack coming from low-cost economies around the world. As a whole, technical writing is not at risk, but technical-communication jobs in the developed world are. We contend that this attack is real and serious. At its source is a process called disruptive innovation, explored by Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen first in The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997) and most recently in The Innovator’s Solution with Michael E. Raynor, researcher, (2003). In applying the observations, conclusions, and recommendations reached by Christensen, we demonstrate how Americans and Europeans can protect their long-term investment in the discipline.
