Constantinos Markides

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discover views of a senior academic, Constantinos Markides, on the limitations of first‐mover advantage and the “fast second” movement in radical new markets.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an interview with Constantinos Markides discussing the limitations of first‐mover advantage and the arguments for the “fast second” movement in radical new markets.FindingsThe interview emphasizes two aspects of innovation, the creation of a product and the creation of a mass market, stressing the crucial importance of timing for fast second movers, and pointing out that potential returns for fast second movers are far greater than for the pioneers of such innovations. It also cites numerous examples of successful fast second movers.Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into the academic's views on the “fast second” movement in radical new markets.