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
Mar 27, 2024 • 50min
Platform Cooperatives with Trebor Scholz
Trebor Scholz, a prominent researcher and the founding director of The New School’s Platform Cooperativism Consortium, dives into the innovative world of platform cooperatives. He discusses the historical context of worker-owned companies and highlights global initiatives championing democratic and sustainable practices. Trebor shares inspiring examples like the Drivers Cooperative in NYC, showcasing how these platforms empower workers against market hardships. He also explores the fusion of community organizing with academic research, setting the stage for future cooperative advocacy.
Mar 20, 2024 • 43min
Business Ecosystems in Asia with Mark Greeven
Exploring the rise of Asian business ecosystems with Mark Greeven, discussing the distinction between platforms and ecosystems, strategic partnerships, management innovation, digital maturity in B2B platforms, and the future of collaboration in driving innovation
Mar 13, 2024 • 42min
Composable process platforms with Michael Perscheid
Exploring the future of enterprise information systems, evolving tech landscape, adapting to disruption, and user empowerment in process platforms. Michael Perscheid discusses the analogies of platforms, transitioning from industry to academia, and the importance of composable process platforms.
Mar 6, 2024 • 43min
Cities as platforms with Gesa Ziemer
In this conversation, Gesa Ziemer, a Professor of Digital Urban Cultures at HafenCity University Hamburg, shares her insights on making cities more livable and equitable. She discusses a project in Botswana that enhances citizen engagement through digital tools tailored to local needs. Gesa highlights the importance of decentralized data management and collaboration among stakeholders, while also addressing challenges like data bias. Her vision for urban planning emphasizes transparency, diversity, and the integration of informal settlement data into city systems.
Feb 14, 2024 • 46min
Platform power with Robyn Caplan
Robyn Caplan, an Assistant Professor at Duke University, dives into the intricacies of platform governance and content moderation. She discusses the challenges content creators face on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, particularly regarding monetization and adapting to varying algorithms. Caplan also explores the evolution of the verified badge on social media, revealing its changing significance. The conversation highlights the economic power of users and the need for transparency in platform business models in today's digital landscape.
Feb 7, 2024 • 49min
Connected digital society with Helena Rong
Helena Rong, an urbanist and designer with interdisciplinary training, discusses the intersection of digital technology, collective intelligence architecture, and urbanism. Topics include fractional property ownership, collective governance in local development, decentralized technology, crypto, trust in transactional platforms, the role of policy and regulation in technology governance, challenges of integrating web-three technologies, and the impact of technology on decision making and governance.
Jan 31, 2024 • 37min
Platforms, blockchain, and the law with Primavera De Filippi
Primavera De Filippi, a blockchain expert, discusses the importance of platform governance in achieving the promises of blockchain technology. She explains the challenges of decentralized governance, the current state of the blockchain industry, and the concept of constitutionalization in platforms. The episode ends with information on how to follow Primavera's work.
Jan 24, 2024 • 51min
Digital public infrastructures with David Eaves
David Eaves, an Associate Professor in Digital Government at UCL, explores the transformative power of digital public infrastructure. He discusses the innovative approaches taken by countries like India and Estonia, emphasizing the importance of context in governance. The conversation covers the dynamics of digital mapping technologies and the ethical responsibilities tied to data management. Eaves also highlights the urgent need for educational initiatives to prepare the next generation of public leaders in an increasingly digital world.
Jan 17, 2024 • 52min
Platform competition with Shiva Shekhar
Shiva Shekhar, an Assistant Professor at Tilburg School of Economics, dives into platform competition and strategies that shape market dynamics. He discusses the role of exclusivity in two-sided markets and how it can enhance welfare despite limiting rival options. Shiva shares insights on merging platforms with 'superstars' and its impact on pricing. He explores why firms might invite competitors and the complex bargaining dynamics among rising creators and their unions. Lastly, he highlights barriers traditional firms face when adopting platform thinking.
Jan 10, 2024 • 50min
Platform identity with Panos Constantinides
Panos Constantinides, a Professor of Digital Innovation and co-founder of the European Digital Platforms Research Network, dives into the fascinating world of digital platforms. He explores how hub firm identity shapes platform governance and evolution. Delving into case studies like MetaTrader, Panos discusses the trade-offs between openness and control in platform growth. He highlights the importance of data control in forming successful ecosystems and shares insights on navigating the complexities of platform dynamics in the digital economy.
