Talking about Platforms

Platform Classics: Industry Platforms and Ecosystem Innovation 14.02.2025 15:48 ↓

This paper brings together the recent literature on industry platforms and shows how it relates to managing innovation within and outside the firm as well as to dealing with technological and market disruptions and change over time. First, we identify distinct types of platforms. Our analysis of a wide range of industry examples suggests that there are two predominant types of platforms: internal...

Platform and Innovation System Design with Kevin Boudreau 12.02.2025 44:32 ↓

In this episode, Kevin Boudreau discusses his research on platforms, from his early perspectives to his current view of platforms as governed digital spaces. He also delves into the impact of AI and data on platforms, and how business schools can play an active role in helping companies adapt to the rapidly changing landscape.

Platform Classics: Chicken & Egg 07.02.2025 18:07 ↓

This influential paper by Caillaud and Jullien from 2003 examines imperfect price competition between intermediation service providers, with a particular focus on aspects relevant to informational intermediation on the Internet. The authors analyze three key elements: indirect network externalities, non-exclusive use of multiple intermediaries, and price discrimination based on user identity and b...

Platforms' Growth and Data Sharing with Chiara Farronato 05.02.2025 36:21 ↓

This podcast episode features Chiara Farronato, a Harvard Business School professor, discussing her research on digital platforms. Farronato defines platforms as information aggregators that connect fragmented users, and she examines the impact of platforms like Airbnb on issues such as over-tourism and housing affordability. The discussion also explores the challenges of regulating large tech com...

Platform Classics: Two-Sided Network Effects 31.01.2025 12:51 ↓

Parker and Van Alstyne's seminal paper explores two-sided network effects in information markets, demonstrating how firms can strategically offer products for free by leveraging distinct markets of content providers and end consumers. Their model reveals that by understanding network externalities, companies can increase consumer welfare and firm profits simultaneously through sophisticated produc...