Disruptive Innovation in China's Primary Healthcare Market: A Case Study of a Startup to Challenge Incumbent and Business Growth Sustainability

This article examines primary healthcare reform in mainland China through a private-public partnership approach from a novel angle using disruptive innovation theory. The research is the first of its kind to apply Christensen’s disruptive innovation theory to the primary healthcare industry in China. A qualitative single case study was designed to focus on the GBA Healthcare Group Limited (“GBAH”). The disruptive innovation theory was framed under the 3H framework, hence offering managers of healthcare organizations a new holistic management framework for applying disruptive innovation theory in their business initiatives. It is also suggested that due to the highly regulated nature of the healthcare services industry, private organizations should actively engage with the relevant government organizations as core stakeholders in their strategic planning. © 2024 the Author(s).