Final answer:
Incremental improvements focus on small, gradual enhancements to existing processes, while breakthrough improvements involve radical and transformative changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best distinguishing factor between incremental improvements and breakthrough improvements is that incremental improvements focus on small, gradual enhancements to existing processes, while breakthrough improvements involve radical and transformative changes. Incremental improvements are characterized by making small changes over time to improve efficiency or effectiveness, whereas breakthrough improvements aim to completely revolutionize the way things are done.
For example, in the context of technological advancements, incremental improvements may involve adding new features to an existing product, whereas a breakthrough improvement could be the development of an entirely new technology or invention that disrupts traditional practices.