Talking about Platforms

By 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 fit... more

· Science

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FAQs about Talking about Platforms:

How many episodes does Talking about Platforms have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.

Talking about Platforms episodes:

November 05, 2025AI Restacking the Knowledge Economy with Sangeet Paul Choudary
Rethinking Strategy and Competition: Why AI's Systemic Impact Demands Reinventing the Game and Setting the New Rules.
Guest: Sangeet Paul Choudary
Bio: Sangeet Paul Choudary is best known as one of the co-authors of the milestone book Platform Revolution, which explores how networked markets transform the economy. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Sangeet has advised leadership teams at over 40 Fortune 500 companies—including firms like Daimler and Nestlé—as well as pre-IPO technology companies. He is a recognized expert on platform economics and network effects and has been a keynote speaker at major global forums such as the G20 Summit, the World50 Summit, and the World Economic Forum. His widely acclaimed Harvard Business Review article, "Pipelines, Platforms, and the New Rules of Strategy," was named one of the top 10 management ideas of 2017 and has been featured in multiple HBR must-read anthologies.
Summary: In this episode, Sangeet discusses the systemic impact of AI on the knowledge economy, presenting his latest book, Reshuffle. He argues that true competitive advantage in an era of technological shift comes not from executing the old game better, but from reinventing the game and setting the rules for others. The conversation moves beyond the typical focus on automation and tasks, examining how technology collapses fundamental constraints (such as the cost of editing in the case of typists) and shifts power structures. Sangeet also redefines platforms as the most scalable mechanism to coordinate complementary activities and investments within an ecosystem, and explains why AI represents a unique shift by acting as a non-commoditized, programmable input that moves power closer to the beginning of the value chain.
**Key Discussion Points
**- The New Rules of Strategy: Winners in technological shifts differentiate themselves by setting the rules for others and reinventing the game, rather than simply executing the old game better
AI's Systemic Impact: The core message of Reshuffle is that AI's impact is systemic, not merely affecting tasks or jobs. This is illustrated using historical, non-intelligent examples, such as the shipping container, which transformed the world by standardizing interfaces and collapsing the constraint of managing unreliability, leading to unbundling and globalization
Jobs and Constraints: Jobs are fundamentally structured around managing a constraint in the system, not around performing a task. When AI collapses that constraint (e.g., editing costs for typists), the job's underlying value disappears, emphasizing the need to focus on the new system rather than fighting AI task-by-task
Publications
Choudary, S. P. (2025). Reshuffle: Who wins when AI restacks the knowledge economy. Platform Thinking Labs.
Links
https://platforms.substack.com/
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58min
July 23, 2025 The Digital Phoenix Effect with Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza
How Legacy Companies Can Lead the Platform Revolution Without Burning Everything Down
Welcome to a very special episode! While you usually hear them leading the conversation, today we're thrilled to turn the tables as we welcome our esteemed co-hosts, Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza, to the guest chair. They're here to share profound insights from their groundbreaking new book, The Digital Phoenix Effect: How Legacy Companies Can Lead the Platform Revolution Without Burning Everything Down.
In this conversation, Daniel and Tommaso reveal how established companies, often seen as 'legacy' businesses, can ingeniously leverage their existing strengths and assets to not just survive, but truly thrive in our platform-dominated economy. They'll challenge the notion that transformation means mimicking tech giants, instead offering a powerful framework for 'platform thinking' that sparks regeneration from within. We dive into how this approach can tackle some of the most pressing systemic challenges of our time, from digital transformation and climate change to ESG compliance. Get ready to discover how traditional businesses can become 'digital phoenixes,' reimagining value creation and activating their latent power through strategic platform adoption. This episode is packed with practical wisdom from two of the leading voices in business innovation, offering a roadmap for relevance and growth in the years to come.
Find their books here:
The Digital Phoenix Effect: How Legacy Companies Can Lead the Platform Revolution Without Burning Everything Down by Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza: Link to Google Books for The Digital Phoenix Effect (Check Amazon or other major retailers for direct purchase link if available)
Platform Thinking: Read the past. Write the future. by Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza: Link to Barnes & Noble for Platform Thinking (Also available on Goodreads)
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35min
March 26, 2025The Platform Revolution with Geoffrey G. Parker
Guest: Geoffrey (Geoff) G. Parker
Bio: Geoff Parker is a professor of engineering at the Thayer School at Dartmouth College and the faculty director at the Irving Institute for Energy and Society. He was awarded the Thinkers50 digital thinking award for his work on two-sided markets and the inverted firm. He is the co-author of the influential book Platform Revolution. He received his doctorate from MIT, where he was a doctoral student alongside Marshall Van Alstyne.
Summary: In this episode, Geoff, a leading expert in platform research and co-author of Platform Revolution, discusses the origins of his work on platforms, the evolution of platform business models, and the ongoing relevance of platform thinking in today's dynamic technological and regulatory landscape. The conversation traces the journey from early observations of free online services and the formalization of two-sided markets to the strategic implications of platforms and their impact across various industries, including B2B and energy. Geoff reflects on the initial skepticism surrounding platform theory, the significant effect of Platform Revolution, and his current work exploring platform dynamics in specific sectors. The discussion also touches upon the challenges faced by established firms in transitioning to platform models and the influence of emerging technologies and regulations on the platform ecosystem.
Key Discussion Points
The genesis of platform research: Stemming from observations of ad-sponsored networks and the emergence of free online services during the dot-com boom, leading to the formal study of two-sided markets and network effects.
Early challenges in platform theory: The initial uphill battle to get foundational work on platforms published.
The evolution of platform thinking: How the understanding of platforms has been shaped by events like the dot-com bust and the rise of tech giants.
Strategic implications: The development of concepts like platform envelopment and the broader strategic considerations for businesses adopting platform models.
The impact of regulation and new technologies: The influence of regulations like GDPR and CCPA, the increasing power of platforms, and the emergence of AI and blockchain on platform strategies.
Challenges and opportunities in B2B platforms: The complexities of network effects, sales cycles, core transactions, and integration challenges in B2B contexts.
Publications & Projects Mentioned
Parker, G. G., Van Alstyne, M. W., & Choudary, S. P., (2016). Platform revolution: How networked markets are transforming the economy—and how to make them work for you. W. W. Norton & Company.
Shapiro, C., & Varian, H. R. (1999). Information rules: A strategic guide to the network economy. Harvard Business Press.
Anderson, E. G., Lopez, J., & Parker, G. G. (2022). Leveraging value creation to drive the growth of B2B platforms. Production and Operations Management, 31(8), 1–22.
Parker, G. G., & Van Alstyne, M. W. (2005). Two-sided markets. Harvard Business Review, 83(10), 1–12.
Eisenmann, T., Parker, G. G., Van Alstyne, M. W., & (2011). Platform envelopment. Strategic Management Journal, 32(12), 1270–1285.
Cabral, L., Haucap, J., Parker, G. G., Petropoulos, G., Valletti, T. Alstyne, M. (2021). The EU Digital Markets Act: A Report from a Panel of Economic Experts, European Union Joint Research Centre, Publications Office of the European Union.
Links
Geoff's website at Dartmouth: https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/community/faculty/geoffrey-parker
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49min
March 21, 2025Platform Classics: Towards a theory of ecosystems
by M. G. Jacobides, C. Cennamo, & A. Gawer
Paper covered in this episode
Jacobides, M. G., Cennamo, C., & Gawer, A. (2018). Towards a theory of ecosystems. Strategic Management Journal, 39(8), 2255–2276.
Disclaimer
This podcast is generated using artificial intelligence technology, drawing content from published scientific papers. While we strive for accuracy, please note:
The episode synthesizes and interprets scientific literature, not original research.
AI-generated content may contain errors or misinterpretations.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice.
Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original scientific papers for comprehensive and authoritative information.
The views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the original authors or their institutions.
We welcome feedback and corrections. Please consult with qualified professionals before applying any information presented in this podcast.
...more
23min
March 19, 2025Industrial and B2B Platforms with Marin Jovanovic
Guest: Marin Jovanovic
Bio: Marin Jovanovic is an Associate Professor at the Department of Operations Management at Copenhagen Business School and a Visiting Scholar at Luleå University of Technology. He holds dual Ph.D. degrees in industrial economics and management from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and in industrial management from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (cum laude). His research focuses on the digital transformation of manufacturing, maritime, and healthcare sectors, platform ecosystems in the business-to-business (B2B) context, and artificial intelligence. He has published extensively in journals such as Organization Science, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technovation, and Industrial Marketing Management. He also serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Product Innovation Management and Journal of Business Research.
Summary: In this episode, Marin Jovanovic discusses the evolution and characteristics of B2B platforms, contrasting them with B2C platforms. The conversation covers the peculiarities of B2B platforms, including data governance, network effects, transaction value, and the complexity of governance in multi-firm ecosystems. Marin also highlights the growing importance of data utilization, modular structures, and the emergence of generative ecosystems and meta-organizations in the B2B space. The discussion further explores the potential of AI in conjunction with platforms, particularly in the medical sector.
Key Discussion Points:
Definition of Platforms in the B2B Context: Marin shares his journey into platform research, transitioning from servitization to industrial platforms.
Main Findings and Peculiarities of B2B Platforms: The discussion highlights differences in network effects, the higher value but lower volume of transactions, and the increased awareness and demands of participating companies compared to B2C platforms.
Data Governance in B2B Platforms: Key challenges include the complexities of data governance, revenue sharing, and the project-specific nature of agreements.
The Role of Humans in Matchmaking: The conversation explores whether highly specific B2B transactions might require more human intervention in matchmaking rather than relying solely on algorithms.
Cyber-Physical Integration: The importance of merging information systems and management in the context of autonomous solutions is emphasized.
Challenges in Explaining B2B Platform Models: The barriers in conveying the concepts of B2B platforms and ecosystems to managers, using the example of 5G technology, are discussed.
Modularity and Generative Ecosystems: The significance of modularity in both architecture and management for fostering flexible and reconfigurable B2B ecosystems is highlighted.
Open Innovation and Open Organization: The discussion connects B2B platforms to concepts of open innovation and broader organizational collaboration.
Microservices and Ecosystem Envelopment: The relevance of microservices for customization and the increasing convergence of platforms into "platforms of platforms" or meta-organizations is explored.
Data Monetization in B2B: The potential for companies to sell and leverage data, drawing parallels between B2B and B2C models with examples like smart cities and business analytics, is discussed.
Physical Assets as Pivots for B2B Platforms: The idea that valuable physical assets owned by companies can serve as the core of B2B platforms, using the concept of "solution enabler platforms," is examined. Different types of B2B platforms based on control and decision rights, such as consortium platforms and algorithmic governance, are also introduced.
Future Research Focus on AI and Platforms: Marin shares his current research interest in the application of AI in specific sectors like medical technology and how AI solutions interact with existing hospital systems and potentially aggregate on platforms.
Publications & Projects Mentioned:
Porter, M. E., & Heppelmann, J. E. (2014). How smart, connected products are transforming competition. Harvard Business Review, 92(11), 64–88.
Jovanovic, M., Sjödin, D., & Parida, V. (2021). Co-evolution of platform architecture, platform services, and platform governance: Expanding the platform value of industrial digital platforms. Technovation, 102218. doi:10.1016/j.technovation.2020.102218.
Sjödin, D., Parida, V., Jovanovic, M., & Visnjic, I. (2020). Value creation and value capture alignment in business model innovation: A process view on outcome-based business models. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 37(2), 158–183. doi:10.1111/jpim.12516.
Links:
Marin Jovanovic’s research blog: Industry Platforms Research.
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39min
March 14, 2025Platform Classics: Organizing for innovation in the digitized world
by Y. Yoo, R. J. Boland, K. Lyytinen, and A. Majchrzak
Paper covered in this episode
Yoo, Y., Boland, R. J., Lyytinen, K., & Majchrzak, A. (2012). Organizing for innovation in the digitized world. Organization Science, 23(5), 1398-1408.
Disclaimer
This podcast is generated using artificial intelligence technology, drawing content from published scientific papers. While we strive for accuracy, please note:
The episode synthesizes and interprets scientific literature, not original research.
AI-generated content may contain errors or misinterpretations.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice.
Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original scientific papers for comprehensive and authoritative information.
The views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the original authors or their institutions.
We welcome feedback and corrections. Please consult with qualified professionals before applying any information presented in this podcast.
...more
21min
March 12, 2025Social Media and Behavioural Impacts with Pinar Yildirim
Guest: Pinar Yildirim
Bio: Pinar Yildirim is an Associate Professor of Marketing (with tenure) at the Wharton School and an Associate Professor of Economics (secondary) at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Economics. Her research focuses on media, technology, and information economics, particularly on the economics of online platforms, social and economic networks, political economy, and the impact of technology and AI on organizations and societal dynamics. Her work has been published in top journals such as American Economic Review, Marketing Science, and Journal of Marketing Research. She is also an area editor at International Journal of Research in Marketing (IJRM) and serves on the editorial boards of Marketing Science and *Journal of Marketing Research.
Summary: In this episode, Pinar delves into the definition and evolution of platforms, emphasizing their role as matchmakers that reduce search costs and facilitate transactions between different user groups. The conversation also explores recent developments in social media, such as Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter (now X), content moderation, and the fragmentation of social networks.
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Platforms: Pinar explains how platforms are defined, including their role as stages for multiple companies to grow and as matchmakers connecting diverse user groups.
Platform Evolution: The discussion highlights how platforms have evolved to reduce search costs and enable transactions between user groups.
Content Moderation: Pinar discusses the importance of content moderation and its impact on user engagement and advertising revenue, particularly in light of Elon Musk's approach to content moderation on X.
Revenue Models and Content Moderation: The podcast explores the interplay between revenue sources (advertising vs. subscriptions) and content moderation policies, and how they influence user behavior.
Fragmentation of Social Media: The episode examines the trend of users building echo chambers by joining platforms with varying content moderation policies.
Interoperability: The potential of interoperability as a regulatory tool to manage the emergence of diverse social media platforms is considered.
Social Evolution of Platforms: The natural social evolution in social media platforms and strategies companies can adopt to manage arising challenges.
Algorithms: Platforms create algorithms to ensure users are not necessarily interacting with all of their connections.
Publications & Projects Mentioned:
Halaburda, H., Piskorski, M. J., & Yildirim, P. (2018). Competing by restricting choice: The case of matching platforms. Management Science, 64(8), 3574-3594.
Liu, Y., Yildirim, P., & Zhang, Z. J. (2022). Implications of revenue models and technology for content moderation strategies. Marketing Science, 41(4), 831-847.
Petrova, M., Sen, A., & Yildirim, P. (2021). Social media and political contributions: The impact of new technology on political competition. Management Science, 67(5), 2997-3021.
Yildirim, P., Gal-Or, E., & Geylani, T. (2013). User-generated content and bias in news media. Management Science, 59(12), 2655-2666.
Links:
https://pinaryildirim.com/
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47min
March 07, 2025Platform Classics: Platform Envelopment
by Thomas Eisenmann, Geoffrey Parker, and Marshall Van Alstyne
Paper covered in this episode
Eisenmann, T., Parker, G., & Van Alstyne, M. (2010). Platform envelopment. Strategic Management Journal, 32(12), 1270-1285
Disclaimer
This podcast is generated using artificial intelligence technology, drawing content from published scientific papers. While we strive for accuracy, please note:
The episode synthesizes and interprets scientific literature, not original research.
AI-generated content may contain errors or misinterpretations.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice.
Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original scientific papers for comprehensive and authoritative information.
The views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the original authors or their institutions.
We welcome feedback and corrections. Please consult with qualified professionals before applying any information presented in this podcast.
...more
15min
March 05, 2025 Crypto Economics and Open Source Platforms with Mariia Petryk
Decentralization, Tokenization, and the Evolution of Digital Incentives
Guest: Maria Petryk
Bio: Maria Petryk is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management at George Mason University. Her research interests include information systems, finance management, organization science, and the economics of blockchain. She focuses particularly on decentralized platforms and open-source software.
Summary: In this episode of Talking About Platforms, Maria discusses the platform business model as one that creates infrastructural opportunities for other agents, companies, individuals, and users to create new value. The platform operator provides the infrastructure and foundational tools for other economic agents to create derivative value and the economy around the platform.
Key discussion points include:
• Decentralized platforms and blockchain: Maria shares her journey into researching blockchain technology around 2017, initially learning about it from the Bitcoin perspective and then finding a community on campus discussing this technology. She notes the ethos behind it as a movement against centralization, particularly in financial transactional systems, aligning with open-source software concepts.
• Research gaps and the evolution of blockchain applications: Early research focused on understanding what blockchain is and what changes it brings to existing business models. The evolution of applications, from Bitcoin to various cryptocurrencies, has been crucial in understanding blockchain's impact.
• Traditional firms and blockchain: Some companies use blockchain technology to make processes more efficient, such as stablecoin companies utilizing blockchain for cheaper and more efficient payment rails. Others, like Starbucks and Nike, experiment with Web3 artifacts for community engagement and loyalty enhancement.
• Open-source community and value capture: Maria discusses capturing the value of open source in the cryptocurrency space, given that a majority of cryptocurrencies have open-source code on GitHub.
• Centralization in decentralized sectors: The discussion touches on the tendency toward centralization in the blockchain space, with larger entities dominating through grant programs.
• Tokenization and incentivization: Blockchain introduces the concept of token organizations, digitizing transactions and exchanges, and using tokens as a payment for contributions, potentially shifting the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Algorithmic governance and immutability: The immutability of code in blockchain systems can be a dilemma when the system scales and new market mechanisms require changes. Flexibility is needed, and sometimes centralized entities are required to make decisions.
Publications & Projects Mentioned:
• von Hippel, E. (2002). Open source software projects as user innovation networks. MIT Sloan School of Management
• Petryk, M., Qiu, L., & Pathak, P. (2023). The Impact of Open-Source Community on Cryptocurrency Market Price: An Empirical Investigation. Journal of Management Information Systems, 40(4), 1237-1270.
• Nimalendran, M., Pathak, P., Petryk, M., & Qiu, L. (2024). Informational efficiency of cryptocurrency markets. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 1-30.
Links:
• Mariia's website: https://www.mariiapetryk.com/home
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49min
February 28, 2025Platform Classics: A Price Theory of Multi-Sided Platforms
by E. Glen Weyl
Paper covered in this episode
Weyl, E. G. (2010). A Price Theory of Multi-sided Platforms. American Economic Review, 100(4), 1642-1672
Disclaimer
This podcast is generated using artificial intelligence technology, drawing content from published scientific papers. While we strive for accuracy, please note:
The episode synthesizes and interprets scientific literature, not original research.
AI-generated content may contain errors or misinterpretations.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or medical advice.
Listeners are encouraged to refer to the original scientific papers for comprehensive and authoritative information.
The views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the original authors or their institutions.
We welcome feedback and corrections. Please consult with qualified professionals before applying any information presented in this podcast.
...more
17min

FAQs about Talking about Platforms:

How many episodes does Talking about Platforms have?

The podcast currently has 58 episodes available.