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Also known as: value innovation, uncontested market space

Blue Ocean Strategy

TechnicalStrategiesFrameworks

Definition

Blue Ocean Strategy: Blue ocean strategy creates new market space ('blue oceans') rather than competing in existing crowded markets ('red oceans'). It involves value innovation—simultaneously pursuing differentiation and low cost by eliminating and reducing some factors while raising and creating others. The goal is making competition irrelevant.

Example Usage

Instead of competing on CRM features, we created a category around 'revenue operations'—a blue ocean where we set the rules.

Common Misconceptions

Blue oceans are risk-free. Creating new markets involves significant uncertainty and market-education costs.
Just differentiate more. Blue ocean requires rethinking value curves, not just adding features.
Blue oceans last forever. Success attracts competition; blue oceans eventually redden.

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