Talking about Platforms
Daniel Trabucchi, Tommaso Buganza and Philip Meier
We bring the latest discoveries from the field platform research right into your preferred podcasting app.
Digital platforms are omnipresent in almost all of our daily activities – from booking a fitness class to sending or watching a video clip, going through calling a cab, and ordering a pizza…even listening to this podcast – are mediated by multi-sided platforms.
Talking About Platforms is the place where we discover and try to make sense of the underlying mechanisms that have enabled and facilitated the rise of the platforms. We enter a critical discussion on what they can become for people, companies, and our society.
In every episode we welcome a platform scholar who will share with us one of his/her latest pieces of research, making it accessible to everyone and chatting with us on what platforms are and where they may go in the future.
Digital platforms are omnipresent in almost all of our daily activities – from booking a fitness class to sending or watching a video clip, going through calling a cab, and ordering a pizza…even listening to this podcast – are mediated by multi-sided platforms.
Talking About Platforms is the place where we discover and try to make sense of the underlying mechanisms that have enabled and facilitated the rise of the platforms. We enter a critical discussion on what they can become for people, companies, and our society.
In every episode we welcome a platform scholar who will share with us one of his/her latest pieces of research, making it accessible to everyone and chatting with us on what platforms are and where they may go in the future.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 45min
Platform and Innovation System Design with Kevin Boudreau
In a fascinating dialogue, Kevin Boudreau, a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northeastern University, shares his insights on the evolution of platforms. He describes his shift from viewing platforms merely as technological intermediaries to understanding them as dynamic ecosystems governed by relationships. The discussion also highlights the transformative role of AI and data, emphasizing how they are reshaping platform functionalities and enabling scalability. Boudreau stresses the cultural dynamics within these ecosystems and the need for collaboration to innovate business models.
Feb 7, 2025 • 18min
Platform Classics: Chicken & Egg
Dive into the intriguing dynamics of platform competition, where the 'chicken and egg' problem challenges major players like Uber and Lyft. Discover how pricing strategies can create value in two-sided markets by balancing fees and subsidies. Explore the paradox of exclusivity as platforms navigate user loyalty and profitability. The conversation also highlights the evolution of competition driven by tech advancements, showcasing the dual impact of AI and personalization on the market.
Feb 5, 2025 • 36min
Platforms' Growth and Data Sharing with Chiara Farronato
Chiara Farronato, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School, delves into platform research and its societal impacts. She discusses her insights on platforms like Airbnb, highlighting their role in urban tourism and the significant challenges of housing affordability. Farronato advocates for balanced regulations to manage the effects of these platforms, emphasizing transparency and the need for data to understand their true impact. She’s also developing a browser extension to track consumer behavior, aimed at shedding light on platform operations.
13 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 13min
Platform Classics: Two-Sided Network Effects
The podcast dives into the concept of two-sided network effects, illustrating how companies use free products to boost platform value through user collaboration. It examines successful platforms like Etsy, emphasizing how consumer and producer growth benefits each other. The discussion includes strategic discounts that enhance market interactions, particularly in gaming and streaming. Additionally, it highlights pricing strategies that balance consumer and producer interests, pointing out the risks of monopolistic practices that stifle innovation.
Jan 29, 2025 • 41min
Externalities and Platform Markets with Paavo Ritala
Paavo Ritala, a Professor of Strategy and Innovation at LUT University, shares his fascinating insights into platform research. He traces his journey from early network studies to the emergence of ecosystems. Ritala discusses the significance of network externalities, revealing how platform value grows with diverse user contributions. He also explores the balance between quantity and quality in user experiences and the role of amplified networks in enhancing platform synergy. Additionally, he highlights platforms' potential to address global challenges like sustainability and health.
Jan 24, 2025 • 16min
Platform Classics: Design Rules, Volume One
Explore the fascinating world of modularity in design! Witness how the transition from rigid systems to flexible modular designs has sparked innovation and accessibility. Discover the historical influence of IBM's modular systems on competition and market dynamics. Hear about the role of modular operators in enhancing creativity within tech. Finally, dive into the intricacies of modular innovation and its management in the technology sector, framing a new understanding of platform evolution.
8 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 41min
Platforms and Ecosystems with Wim Vanhaverbeke
Wim Vanhaverbeke, a digital strategy and open innovation expert from the University of Antwerp, shares insights on the complexities of digital platforms. He discusses the transition from two-sided to multi-sided platforms, using examples like Airbnb and Uber. Vanhaverbeke emphasizes the integration of AI in open innovation and the managerial challenges of platform governance. The conversation also highlights the difficulties of medical data sharing and the contrasting adoption rates of digital healthcare across countries, stressing the need for evolving business models and regulatory support.
16 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 21min
Platform Classics: Foundational works on the Economics of Networks
Discover the fascinating world of network effects and platform competition. Learn how user adoption can skyrocket product value, exemplified by telephones and consoles. Dive into the rivalry among tech giants like Apple and Google in two-sided markets. Uncover why the QWERTY keyboard succeeded despite its flaws, and explore the tension between compatibility and innovation. The discussion reveals critical insights into pricing strategies, regulatory challenges, and the dynamic landscape of modern markets.
15 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 46min
Platform Strategy and Business Models with Andrei Hagiu
Join Andrei Hagiu, an Associate Professor at Boston University and advisor on platform business models, as he unpacks the intricate dynamics of platform strategies. He discusses the concept of platform traps, where major platforms dominate sellers, and the potential for collective action to challenge this. The conversation also highlights how blockchain technology can disrupt traditional power structures and lower transaction costs. Lastly, Hagiu examines what drives success in B2B marketplaces, revealing valuable insights for startups.
Apr 3, 2024 • 41min
Interaction Fields with Erich Joachimsthaler
Erich Joachimsthaler, Founder and CEO of Vivaldi, sheds light on innovative marketing strategies and the future of business models. He discusses 'interaction fields' that emphasize mutual value creation beyond traditional transactions. The conversation dives into how companies like John Deere are adopting technology to redefine customer engagement while addressing global challenges like hunger. Erich also highlights the cultural hurdles in radiology when transitioning to platform-driven dynamics, showcasing the need for a transformative mindset in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
