Jonathan Knee - The Platform Delusion and the Intricacies of Digital and Analog Platforms

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Jun 14, 2024

Jonathan Knee, a distinguished advisor at Evercore Partners and Professor at Columbia Business School, discusses the nuances of digital and analog platforms, network effects in tech giants like Meta and Google, strategic decisions of Apple, and the impact of generative AI on future market trends.

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ANECDOTE

Jonathan's Accidental Banking Path

Jonathan Knee's career path from law and public policy to investment banking was largely accidental.
He shifted roles after United Airlines' sale and joined Goldman Sachs' media group through a London connection.

INSIGHT

Nuance of Competitive Advantages

Competitive advantages are few but manifest differently across industries.
Strong franchises combine multiple reinforcing advantages for sustainable success.

INSIGHT

What Defines a Platform Business

Platforms are businesses creating value by making or enhancing connections.
Not all businesses termed platforms fit; for example, Netflix is a store, YouTube is a platform.

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In today's discussion, Jonathan Knee, a distinguished advisor at Evercore Partners and Professor of Professional Practice of Media and Technology at Columbia Business School, explores the themes of his influential work, "The Platform Delusion." Jonathan's insights stem from a rich career in both the banking and academic sectors, bringing a nuanced perspective on digital versus analog platforms, competitive strategies, and the evolving landscape of technological advancements. The conversation uncovers the myths surrounding platform businesses and their impact on the economic principles that govern market dynamics. Jonathan also discusses the implications of regulatory frameworks and their intersection with business strategies in shaping industries and so much more!

Key Topics:

Jonathan Knee's background and expertise in media and technology (01:40)
The initial impetus behind writing "The Platform Delusion" and the misconceptions it addresses (13:14)
Definitions and the real economic underpinnings of platform businesses (17:52)
Competitive advantages and the robustness of network effects in digital platforms (35:02)
Exploring the sustainability of various business models within tech giants like Meta and Google against emerging technologies (44:51)
Insights into the strategic decisions that have fortified Apple's market position over the years (48:38)
The impact of generative AI on existing business ecosystems and future market trends (55:36)
Societal and technological transformations influencing today's business environment (58:55)
Jonathan’s book recommendations (01:01:30)
And much more!

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