Lotz, S.J.Verhage, B.Masele, E.Malanda, C.Hassan, Ferdinand S.Grobbelaar, Schalk2025-08-122025-08-122024-12-13Lotz, S.J., Verhage, B., Masele, E. et al. 2024, 'The role of disruptive innovation in start-ups and transforming small business operations in the digital era', South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 104-115. http://dx.doi.org//10.7166/35-4-3035.1012-277X (print)2224-7890 (online)10.7166/35-4-3035http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103876ENGLISH : In the digital era, start-ups benefit from expanded reach, faster scaling, and access to vast data sets, yet face heightened competition and the challenge of staying current with emerging innovations. Their role in the modern economy is amplified as they collaborate with incubators, investors, and academic institutions to foster innovation and growth. Agile development methods and disruptive innovation bolster their competitiveness against larger incumbents. Leveraging digital technologies and combining resources are further recognised as pivotal success factors driving disruptive innovations in start-ups.AFRIKAANS : In die digitale era trek beginnerondernemings voordeel uit uitgebreide reikwydte, vinniger skaal en toegang tot groot datastelle, maar staar verhoogde mededinging in die gesig en die uitdaging om op hoogte te bly van opkomende innovasies. Hul rol in die moderne ekonomie word versterk namate hulle met broeikaste, beleggers en akademiese instellings saamwerk om innovasie en groei te bevorder. Behendige ontwikkelingsmetodes en ontwrigtende innovasie versterk hul mededingendheid teenoor groter posbekleërs. Die gebruik van digitale tegnologieë en die kombinasie van hulpbronne word verder erken as deurslaggewende suksesfaktore wat ontwrigtende innovasies in beginners aandryf.en© South African Institute of Industrial Engineers .Digital eraData setsInnovationsDigitale eraDatastelleInnovasiesArticle