"BlackBerry" is a film depicting the dramatic rise and fall of the iconic smartphone, centering around Research in Motion (RIM) and its founders, Mike Lazaridis, Douglas Fregin, and investor Jim Balsillie. Set in the late 1990s, the story begins with Lazaridis and Fregin's struggle to launch their PocketLink cellular device, leading to a partnership with Balsillie. Amidst corporate challenges, the trio rebrands PocketLink as BlackBerry, achieving monumental success. However, with the advent of the iPhone and internal conflicts, RIM faces a decline, marked by legal issues and management changes, ultimately leading to its downfall.
Use in class
This film could be an insightful resource in various business school classes, particularly those focusing on entrepreneurship, technology management, and strategic leadership. It presents a real-life case study of a tech startup's journey from inception to industry dominance, followed by a rapid decline. Students can learn about the challenges of managing innovation, navigating market competition, adapting to technological shifts, and making strategic decisions under pressure. The film also offers lessons in corporate governance, crisis management, and the importance of visionary leadership, making it a valuable tool for illustrating key business concepts and strategies.
Trailer
