We examine how established technologies can influence disruptive breakthroughs in related, emerging industries. Challenging traditional path dependency logic, we use path creation perspective to theorize how "real-time influence" and "mindful deviation" can reshape technological lock-ins. Focusing on battery technology innovation in the established electric vehicle (EV) industry and the emerging electric aircraft (EA) industry, we explain how environmental shocks in the EV industry influence EA battery innovations. We hypothesize that EV battery recalls, and fire incidents will enhance disruptive breakthroughs in EA battery innovation by encouraging deviation from established paths. Conversely, the federally funded Battery500 consortium, focused on advancing EV battery technology, will hinder disruptive breakthroughs in EA battery innovation due to reinforced path dependency. Crucially, we also posit that the impact of these environmental shocks is moderated by the degree of EA inventors' prior experience with EV battery technologies, suggesting that such "lock-in knowledge" can, counterintuitively, foster disruptive innovation. By examining these dynamics, this study offers new theoretical insights into cross-industry innovation, the role of external shocks in path creation, and the impact of policy interventions on fostering disruptive breakthroughs.
