Quotes from Larry Downes

As stakeholders run for the exits, market value is destroyed, and with it the flexibility to make strategic decisions.

Because when the law implicitly or explicitly limits internal competition and bars new entrants, businesses have little, if any, incentive to innovate. As a result, regulated businesses—which include public utilities, air travel, defense, health care, and food and drugs—have fallen dangerously far behind in adopting exponential technologies. Once the disruptors do find a way in, collapse is that much more sudden.

Under these conditions you can't win simply by making your current strategy more disciplined. Pulling back to focus on your best customers or delivering higher quality or a lower price will buy you only a little time, if any. More rigorous strategic focus just blinds you to the next wave of disruption coming at you from the top, bottom, and sides.