Why Resistance to Change Costs More Than You Think

By Nicolas Martin, Senior Full Stack Data Scientist, 18/02/2025.

Disclaimer: This article does not reflect my personal stance on AI or human-machine interfaces. In fact, I believe there is insufficient control and ethical oversight regarding these technologies. The purpose of this article is to present the reality as accurately as possible. We must adapt to the rapid pace of current technological advancements, acknowledging that we often initially resist new technologies but eventually come to adopt them as they become an integral part of everyday life—just as happened with smartphones, PCs, and cars.

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, yet it often meets resistance—sometimes fierce, sometimes subtle. History has shown us time and again that clinging to the past can be catastrophic. But why does this happen? Why do we resist change when it’s staring us in the face? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of missed opportunities, stubborn traditions, and lessons learned from some of humanity's greatest technological revolutions.

Cost of staying idle vs benefits of embracing innovation (based on Internet sources - see references).

Why We Resist Innovation: The Comfort Zone Trap

Humans are creatures of habit. When something works—or at least seems to work—we tend to stick with it. This natural resistance to innovation stems from a combination of fear, complacency, and short-term thinking. Fear of the unknown, concern over job displacement, or even ethical dilemmas can paralyze decision-makers. And let’s not forget the allure of tradition: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," right?

But what happens when “it” actually is broken—but you’re too blind to see it? That’s where things get messy. Today, as AI and neural interface technologies like Neuralink promise to revolutionize how we live, work, and interact, history warns us against repeating the same mistakes. To understand why resisting these advancements could cost more than embracing them, let’s take a trip back in time to five defining moments when established giants ignored the writing on the wall—and paid dearly for it.

1. Tanks vs. Horses: A War of Progress (Early 20th Century)

"Horses have served us well; they’re loyal, reliable, and… uh, alive."

During World War I, the British and French introduced tanks onto battlefields dominated by trench warfare. These mechanical beasts were far superior to traditional cavalry units, offering unmatched protection and firepower. Yet, many military leaders resisted adopting tanks, clinging to their beloved horses instead. Their reluctance slowed down the adaptation of modern warfare tactics, resulting in devastating losses.

While the financial toll of sticking with horses is hard to quantify, the human cost was staggering. Millions of lives were lost because armies failed to fully embrace new technology. By the end of the war, the British Empire alone had spent £27 billion (in 1914 pounds) on the conflict—a reminder that refusing progress isn’t just expensive; it’s deadly.

2. Personal Computers: Typewriters Bite the Dust (1970s–1980s)

"Who needs a computer when you’ve got a perfectly good typewriter?"

For decades, companies like Smith Corona ruled the typing world. Then came the personal computer—a game-changer that made typewriters obsolete almost overnight. Instead of pivoting, Smith Corona doubled down on its core business, ignoring the PC boom. Meanwhile, IBM initially underestimated the market potential of computers, giving startups like Apple and Microsoft room to grow.

By the mid-1990s, Smith Corona filed for bankruptcy, while IBM lost significant market share. It’s a cautionary tale about underestimating disruptive technologies and failing to adapt quickly enough.

3. Digital Photography: Kodak’s Fatal Oversight (1990s–2000s)

"Film will always be king."

Ironically, Kodak invented the digital camera but hesitated to commercialize it, fearing it would cannibalize its lucrative film sales. As rivals like Canon and Nikon embraced digital photography wholeheartedly, Kodak fell behind. By 2012, the once-mighty company filed for bankruptcy, burdened by debts totaling $6.75 billion.

Kodak’s downfall serves as a stark warning: even if you create the future, refusing to adopt it can lead to ruin.

4. Smartphones: Nokia’s Slide Into Irrelevance (2000s)

"Touchscreens? Just a passing fad."

Nokia was once synonymous with mobile phones, dominating the global market with its rugged devices. However, when Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, Nokia dismissed touchscreen smartphones as a niche product. Its failure to pivot left the door wide open for competitors, ultimately forcing Nokia to sell its mobile division to Microsoft in 2013 for a mere €5.4 billion—down from a peak value of €70 billion.

BlackBerry suffered a similar fate, losing 90% of its stock price between 2008 and 2016. Both stories highlight the dangers of dismissing emerging trends until it’s too late.

5. Digital Music Distribution: EMI’s Tuneless Transition (Late 1990s–Early 2000s)

"People will always buy CDs."

Record labels like EMI and Sony Music Entertainment clung to physical media despite the rise of digital downloads. Their refusal to adapt led to widespread piracy and massive revenue declines. Between 1999 and 2009, U.S. music sales plummeted from $28 billion to just $14.6 billion. While platforms like iTunes and Spotify eventually saved the industry, early adopters reaped most of the rewards.

This episode underscores the importance of staying ahead of consumer preferences before they force your hand.

AI and Neuralink: Are We Doomed to Repeat History?

As we stand on the brink of another technological revolution, the parallels are striking. AI and brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink threaten to reshape every aspect of our lives—from healthcare to education, entertainment to communication. Yet, resistance persists.

Some fear job displacement, others worry about privacy invasions or ethical quandaries. Companies entrenched in outdated methods may view AI as unnecessary or prohibitively expensive. Sound familiar? History tells us that those who fail to adapt risk becoming footnotes in the annals of innovation.

Here’s what makes AI and neural interfaces different—and potentially even more transformative:

Market Demand: Just as PCs, digital cameras, and smartphones became indispensable, AI and enhanced human-machine interactions are likely to follow suit. Early adopters stand to gain immense advantages.
Technological Disruption: Imagine a world where machines understand and anticipate human needs seamlessly. Those who lag behind could find themselves irrelevant in an increasingly interconnected ecosystem.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges: Navigating the complexities of integrating AI with human cognition won’t be easy. But waiting for regulations to catch up might mean missing out entirely.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Change, Lead the Future

The lesson here is clear: ignoring transformative technologies comes at a steep price. From tanks replacing horses to smartphones dethroning flip phones, history shows us that innovation wins—not tradition.

So, ask yourself: Are you ready to embrace the next wave of progress, or will you let fear hold you back? Remember, the innovators of tomorrow aren’t asking permission—they’re already moving forward. Don’t let today’s resistance become tomorrow’s regret.

Stay curious, stay bold, and above all, stay adaptive. After all, the future belongs to those who dare to shape it.

References

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/072115/companies-went-bankrupt-innovation-lag.asp

https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2016/09/wellisz.htm

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/07/why-do-people-resist-new-technologies-history-has-answer/

https://time.com/4704250/most-successful-technology-tech-failures-gadgets-flops-bombs-fails/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chunkamui/2012/01/18/how-kodak-failed/

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/what-can-history-teach-us-about-technology-and-jobs

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/06/30/tech-causes-more-problems-than-it-solves/

#Innovation #EmbraceChange #TechRevolution #FutureReady #AdoptNewIdeas #LeadWithInnovation #DigitalTransformation

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