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Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://tap.podigee.io/56-geoff-parker 2aa9fbbaaced69fcaf4e8ac898a1f6ea 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 full no digital platforms,platform revolution Daniel Trabucchi, Tommaso Buganza and Philip Meier
Fri, 07 Mar 2025 06:30:00 +0000 https://tap.podigee.io/51-platform-envelopment 837f47429958004d5906666b5c019f7b 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. full by Thomas Eisenmann, Geoffrey Parker, and Marshall Van Alstyne no digital platforms Daniel Trabucchi, Tommaso Buganza and Philip Meier
We've got another cross-post for you this week, and this time it's also a live panel recording. Recently, Mike joined a panel at Boston University Questrom School of Business which was recorded for WBUR's Is Business Broken? podcast, alongside professors Marshall Van Alstyne and Nadine Strossen, and moderated by host Curt Nickisch. The discussion is all about Section 230 specifically and the regulation of speech more broadly, and you can listen to the whole thing here on this week's episode.
True to Steve Jobs' prediction, the iPhone really did change everything. But was it the device itself...or apps that made the digital world easier to access for non-tech experts? This episode explores a tech breakthrough that happened 15 years after Jobs' famous consumer product release, when Siemens launched a digital business platform with a different purpose: to help innovators transform industry, infrastructure and transportation. She's joined by Marshall Van Alstyne, who wrote all about the rise of platforms in the consumer world (the book's called "Platform Revolution," and it's a bestseller) to show you how the app principles letting us put data into action with the click of a button now apply to managing machines, grids, and trains. Plus, Peter Koerte, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens, joins to highlight how merging the real with the digital could be our secret weapon in the fight against climate change. Turns out, the next big tech revolution isn't coming to your devices, but to the physical world all around you. Show notes: Siemens Xcelerator Press Release: https://xcelerator.siemens.com/global/en.html Platform Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Revolution-Networked-Markets-Transforming/dp/0393249131 Peter's article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digitalization-decarbonization-two-megatrends-each-other-peter-koerte/?trackingId=Sg8Tf%2BSWT0%2B%2BRNFwc0fwMg%3D%3D&linkId=300000002456347
Did 26 words from an American law passed in 1996 create the internet? Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act says that interactive websites and applications cannot be held legally liable for the content posted on their sites by their users. Without the law, it's likely Facebook, Amazon, Reddit, Yelp, and X wouldn't exist — at least not in their current form. But some say the law shields large tech companies from liability for enabling, or even amplifying, harmful content. On today's show, we discuss Section 230, recent efforts to reform it, and new proposals for content moderation on the internet. Marshall Van Alstyne is a professor of information systems at Boston University. Robert Corn-Revere is FIRE's chief counsel. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:52 The origins of Section 230? 6:40 Section 230's “forgotten provision” 13:29 User vs. platform control over moderation 23:24 Harms allegedly enabled by Section 230 40:17 Solutions 46:03 Private market for moderation 1:02:42 Case study: Hunter Biden laptop story 1:09:19 “Duty of care” standard 1:17:49 The future of Section 230 1:20:35 Outro Show Notes - Hearing on a Legislative Proposal to Sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (May 22. 2024) - “Platform Revolution” by Marshall Van Alstyne - “The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder” by Robert Corn-Revere - “Protocols, Not Platforms: A Technological Approach to Free Speech” by Mike Masnick - “Sunset of Section 230 Would Force Big Tech's Hand” By Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Frank Pallone Jr. - “Buy This Legislation or We'll Kill the Internet” By Christopher Cox and Ron Wyden - “Free Speech, Platforms & The Fake News Problem” (2021) by Marshall Van Alstyne - “Free Speech and the Fake News Problem” (2023) by Marshall Van Alstyne - “It's Time to Update Section 230” by Michael D. Smith and Marshall Van Alstyne “Now It's Harvard Business Review Getting Section 230 Very, Very Wrong” by Mike Masnick
Open APIs are sets of rules that enable systems to freely communicate with each other. They allow companies to “tap into the wisdom of the crowd,” Marshall Van Alstyne explains, shifting the burden of value creation to external sources. “You want people you don't know to bring you ideas you don't have,” he adds. In … The post 105 / Innovation Through Open APIs: Shifting the Locus of Value Creation, with Marshall Van Alstyne appeared first on ITX Corp..
With previous episodes focusing on the power of new federal investment combined with emerging technologies, this one explores the big, overarching trend that promises to truly change everything: a platform revolution. Following the release day of Siemens' new open digital business platform, Siemens Xcelerator, Marshall Van Alstyne, co-author of international bestseller “Platform Revolution,” offers his view on why platform models giving rise to the likes of Uber, Airbnb and Amazon are now ready to transform industry and infrastructure. Barbara is also joined by Peter Koerte, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer at Siemens, who highlights how the platform model's focus on ecosystems and creating network effects will accelerate decarbonization as it remakes factories, energy grids, buildings, and transportations system. Show notes: Siemens Xcelerator Press Release: https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-launches-siemens-xcelerator-open-digital-business-platform-accelerate-digital Platform Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Revolution-Networked-Markets-Transforming/dp/0393249131 Peter's article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digitalization-decarbonization-two-megatrends-each-other-peter-koerte/?trackingId=Sg8Tf%2BSWT0%2B%2BRNFwc0fwMg%3D%3D&linkId=300000002456347
Marshall Van Alstyne shares why platform companies dominate traditional businesses and why 7 of the 10 largest companies in the world are platform companies. Learn how they outcompete traditional companies while employing just a tiny fraction of the number of people, how they are completely different from companies of the past, and why platforms beat products all the time. Boston University professor Marshall Van Alstyne is the co-author of the international bestseller Platform Revolution and he is one of the world's experts on network business models. This podcast is available on all major podcast streaming platforms. Did you enjoy this episode? Consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Receive updates on upcoming guests and more in our weekly e-mail newsletter. Subscribe today at www.3takeaways.com.
Find out why platform companies dominate traditional businesses and why 7 of the 10 largest companies in the world are platform companies. Learn how they outcompete traditional companies while employing just a tiny fraction of the number of people, how they are completely different from companies of the past, and why platforms beat products all the time.
In this episode, we speak to Dr Peter C. Evans, Managing Partner at the Platform Strategy Institute and co-founder of the advisory firm Enterprise Sound Strategy. Peter holds a PhD from MIT and is co-chair of the MIT Platform Strategy Summit. He has over 20 years of experience leading teams in identifying, assessing, and communicating high-priority marketplace trends and disruptions to shape effective business strategy, innovation and investment. He has specialized in helping companies anticipate key market trends, develop strategic responses as craft seminal thought leadership that frames and articulates the need for change. We were curious to talk to Peter about the concept of “platform talent” and what companies are looking for when it comes to recruiting leaders in platform strategy and development. Peter talks us through some of the key insights from the latest study by the Platform Strategy Institute – exploring among other things the key roles covered by the notion “platform talent”. He explains how sometimes recruiters themselves don’t fully understand exactly what they’re looking for, and that it was the still rather incomplete understanding of the market for platform talent that drew his attention to this “white space” of the platform economy in the first place. If you’re an executive or HR leader looking to hire next platform talent, or if you want to know how to stand out as a candidate or gain the rights skills in this thriving market, you’ll enjoy this episode! Remember that you can find the show notes and transcripts from all our episodes on our Medium publication: https://medium.com/@Boundaryless_/4697aeb3e8dd?source=friends_link&sk=cd04fcd569866e9f806f761e1730c60f To find out more about Peter’s work: > Website: https://platformstrategyinstitute.com/ > LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-c-evans-phd-217b8/ > Twitter: https://twitter.com/pevans_c Other references and mentions: > MIT Platform Strategy Summit: http://ide.mit.edu/events/2020-mit-platform-strategy-summit > Keynote from the MIT Platform Strategy Summit 2020 by the summit co-chairs Peter C. Evans, Geoffrey Parker and Marshall Van Alstyne: https://youtu.be/CUQaqMILuKQ > Peter C. Evans and Annabelle Gawer, The Rise of the Platform Enterprise: A Global Survey, Center for Global Enterprise, 2016: https://www.thecge.net/app/uploads/2016/01/PDF-WEB-Platform-Survey_01_12.pdf > Peter Evans, Cross-Platform Integrations: Why ExxonMobil and Bandsintown Should Do a Deal, 2020: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cross-platform-integrations-why-exxonmobil-should-do-deal-evans-phd/ > Peter Evans and Joseph Pine, Experience Platforms: Finding New Strategic Value in Today’s Experience Economy:https://platformstrategyinstitute.com/experience-platforms/ > Microsoft, Automation Anywhere: https://www.automationanywhere.com/solutions/microsoft-azure-rpa-automation > Bands in Town: https://www.bandsintown.com/ Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at: www.platformdesigntoolkit.com/podcast Thanks for the ad-hoc music to Liosound / Walter Mobilio. Find his portfolio here: www.platformdesigntoolkit.com/music Recorded on 22 September 2020.
In this episode we have two leading platform thinkers on the show: Marshall Van Alstyne, Questrom Chair Professor at Boston University and Geoffrey Parker, professor of engineering at the Thayer School of Dartmouth College. They are both visiting scholars at the MIT Initiative for the Digital Economy and co-chair the annual MIT Platform Summit (see references below)Marshall Van Alstyne and Geoffrey Parker - together with Sangeet Choudary - are the authors of Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy - and How to Make Them Work for You, from 2016. As originators of the concept of the inverted firm, they were further joint winners of the Thinkers50 2019 Digital Thinking Award. In this conversation, we talk about what democratising access to data means for the ability of players in a platform-ecosystem context to innovate and how regulation should be conceived participatory and ex ante. With creating human value as the North star, Marshall and Geoffrey ponder that we might want to see the creation of a Magna Carta of citizens rights for how we should be able to operate and influence on powerful platforms.Remember that you can find the show notes and transcripts from all our episodes on our own Medium publication. Here are some important links from the conversation: Find out more about Marshall and Geoffrey’s work> Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, Sangeet Paul Choudary, Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy and How to Make Them Work for You, 2016. https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Revolution-Networked-Markets-Transforming/dp/0393249131> MIT Platform Strategy Summit, 2020 edition taking place virtually on 8 July: http://ide.mit.edu/events/2020-mit-platform-strategy-summit> Platform Revolution - Offers an operator's manual for building platforms (easy read) https://www.amazon.com/Platform-Revolution-Networked-Markets-Transforming/dp/0393354350/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591806248&sr=1-1> Digital Platforms & Antitrust - Categorizes the harms from platforms, critiques existing solutions, and offers one path forward (easy read). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3608397> Pipelines, Platforms & New The Rules of Strategy - Tells how strategy differs from products to platforms (Harvard Business Review "Must Read" - easy read). https://hbr.org/2016/04/pipelines-platforms-and-the-new-rules-of-strategy> Platform Ecosystems: How Developers Invert the Firm - Provides a proof that platforms become "inverted firms," moving production from inside to outside, once network effects become large enough (MISQ Best Paper - hard read). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2861574 > The Social Efficiency of Fairness - Provides proof that treating people fairly increases rates of innovation (mimeo - hard read) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1514137 Other mentions and references> Simon Wardley on the Innovate-Leverage-Componentize (ILC) cycle. Part I: https://blog.gardeviance.org/2014/03/understanding-ecosystems-part-i-of-ii.html; Part II: https://blog.gardeviance.org/2015/08/on-platforms-and-ecosystems.html> Simone Cicero, “Long Tails, Aggregators & Infrastructures”: https://stories.platformdesigntoolkit.com/long-tails-aggregators-infrastructures-bdf84e32531d> Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, “5 Economists Redefining… Everything. Oh Yes, And They’re Women”. Mariana Mazzucato on the role of government investment in early innovations: https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/avivahwittenbergcox/2020/05/31/5-economists-redefining-everything--oh-yes-and-theyre-women/amp/ Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at www.platformdesigntoolkit.com/podcast Thanks for the ad-hoc music to Liosound / Walter Mobilio. Find his portfolio here: www.platformdesigntoolkit.com/music Recorded on June 10th 2020
Geoffrey Parker is a scholar whose work focuses on distributed innovation, energy markets, and the economics of information. He co-developed the theory of two-sided markets with Marshall Van Alstyne. His current research includes studies of platform business strategy, data governance, and technical/economic systems to integrate distributed energy resources. Parker is Professor of Engineering and Director, Master of Engineering Management, (MEM) Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, the first national research university to graduate a class of engineers with more women than men. He has set the Thayer School of Engineering apart with the introduction of Data Analytics and Platform Design classes, emphasizing the business aspects of engineering and giving engineers the background they need to be business innovators and entrepreneurs. Parker is part of a unique culture that is breaking gender barriers. Parker is also a Faculty Fellow at MIT and the MIT Center for Digital Business. Parker is co-author of the book Platform Revolution, which was included among the 16 must-read business books for 2016 by Forbes.
Marshall Van Alstyne in conversation with Thinkers 50 founder Des Dearlove. The two discuss Fake News and how its ramifications run more deeply than most people acknowledge.
In this conversation between Des Dearlove and Marshall Van Alstyne, Professor at Boston University and author of Platform Revolution, the two discuss the nature of platforms and the three requirements for something to qualify as a platform.
Show notes: ide.mit.edu/news-events-media?type_1=podcast What is a platform and do platforms represent a new form of industrial organization? Marshall Van Alstyne, professor at Boston University and research associate at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, joins us for a conversation on these topics. We start by discussing the fundamental economics of platforms. Next, we attempt to tackle the following questions: What generates market power on platforms? Do platforms improve efficiency by internalizing externalities or do they create distortions? What are the sources of demand side network effects? Does Google create a competitive bottleneck? When is regulation of platforms appropriate? When should a firm adopt a platform strategy?
Marshall Van Alstyne is a Professor at Boston University and a Digital Fellow at MIT. He co-authored Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming The Economy And How To Make Them Work For You, and is a father of the theory of two-sided markets. Marshall joins Tim today to discuss how cutting-edge businesses are built on platforms: two-sided markets that are revolutionizing the way we do business. Tune in as they dig deep into the brilliant future of platforms, revealing how they will irrevocably alter the lives and careers of millions. Key Takeaways: [1:06] Marshall Van Alstyne explains how the rules that managers use to navigate the competitive landscape are changing from a Porter, 5 Forces way of thinking about the world to a Peter Drucker way of thinking about the world. [1:26] In a platform business, the mindset shifts from managing a product to managing a community. [10:21] How to create a market, value and wealth from an area in which there are spare capacity and resources. [13:19] What is the macroeconomic impact of platform driven markets? [18:48] The launch problem is made easier by borrowing existing users from another platform, or by seeding the market. [22:48] It’s easier to add a technology to a community than it is to add a community to a technology. [26:37] Thoughts on how business schools are teaching management practices today, and how it should be taught in the future. [32:05] Tips to use as guidelines for managers who want to leverage their external resources. [37:28] Contact information for Marshall Van Alstyne. Mentioned in This Episode: Platform Revolution @InfoEcon on Twitter Praxent Praxent on Twitter
MIT Digital Fellow and Boston University Professor Van Alstyne argues that product business models are broken and being replaced by platforms.
Marshall Van Alstyne is the Chair of the Information Systems Department at Boston University, Research Associate at MIT s Initiative on the Digital Economy, Co-Author of the book Platform Revolution , writer for Harvard Business Review as well as other articles including Strategies for Two-sided Markets . In this broadcast, Marshall Van Alstyne and I talk about: How his experience of coming up through the Dot.Com boom helped him to understand platforms. The four times that giving things away for free works in platform creation. Examples of how companies fail to understand the nature of platforms. The differences between Network Effect and Virality. The Anatomy of the Sneeze and how it helps us to understand Virality. Host: who is infected already Target: who are you trying to reach Germ: idea you want to spread Medium the way that idea is spread The problems associated with launching a platform. Six different launch strategies and how they work. The importance of testing your market to see which launch strategy is a good fit for your company. The relationship between monetization and launch strategies. How competition may affect your launch. How to find Marshall Van Alstyne online: Website: platforms.bu.edu Marshall s book Platform Revolution . Twitter: @InfoEcon If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please leave a review on iTunes here. Thanks so much in advance for your support. The post ITT 087: How to Create a Platform with Marshall Van Alstyne appeared first on Tom Morkes.
Is it hard to imagine a world in which people are treated fairly? Paid a fair wage for the work they contribute? Rewarded monetarily for the successful intellectual products that they help to produce? Did you just scoff? If so you might be a knowledge worker who toils day in and day out on information goods – products like software, vaccines, or media – just to see the company you work for take the copyright or patent and reap all the rewards from your innovation. A new working paper from researchers at MIT, Boston University, and the University of Michigan shows that people, companies, and the economy as a whole can all benefit and grow when we forget what we think we know about property rights and compensate people fairly for the work they do. Take off your rose-colored glasses, put on your headphones, and listen to this interview with one of those researchers, Marshall Van Alstyne, as he explains how innovation and fair compensation can go hand in hand. CC-licensed music this week: Scott Altham: Hear Us Now (poptastic mix) Neurowaxx: Haram Beat Photo by Kevin Eddy