When significant improvements in performance can ONLY be gained through radical new designs or new performance$-$enhancing materials, it is likely that a company is in the S$-$curve pattern of innovation.

a$.$

at its breakeven point

b$.$

at the problem identification stage of the innovation cycle

c$.$

at the end of the innovation cycle

d$.$

at either the beginning or end of the innovation cycle

e$.$

at the end of its maturity stage