Disruptive innovation (DI) has transformed the understanding of technological change and competitive strategy. While the DI framework has evolved to encompass strategic responses, value proposition reconfiguration, and business model innovation, its integration within the field of international business (IB) remains underdeveloped. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic and temporal review of DI research through an IB lens, analyzing key developments from 1990 to 2024. The review reveals that DI dynamics are influenced by regulatory heterogeneity, cultural adaptation, market maturity, and the global strategic imperatives of multinational enterprises (MNEs). By identifying thematic trends—such as market disruption, global strategy, technological advancement, regulatory barriers, and cultural adaptation —this study underscores the necessity of balancing global integration with local responsiveness to leverage disruptive growth. The findings advance both DI and IB theory by providing a multidisciplinary perspective that highlights the complex interplay of innovation, strategy, and international market structures. The research offers theoretical and practical insights for firms navigating disruption in an increasingly globalized and digitized environment.
