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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Enabling more livable, equitable, and resilient communities. Gesa's bio: Gesa Ziemer (Prof. Dr. phil.) is a Professor of Digital Urban Cultures at the HafenCity University Hamburg. She heads the CityScienceLab, a cooperation with the MIT Media Lab (Cambridge, MA, USA), which researches the future of cities (with a special focus on digitalization). She is also the academic director of UNITAC, a United Nations Innovation and Technology Lab (UN-Habitat, OICT) that conducts global research on the use of technology in informal settlements. She was a fellow of the Humboldt Foundation (Feodor-Lynen Program) at the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA, USA. Her research foci are the digital city, new forms of collaboration, and urban spaces. She is a member of the Accreditation Committee of the Scientific Council of Germany and holds a Guest Lectureship at Lucerne School of Art and Design in Switzerland. Link to the City Science Lab: https://www.hcu-hamburg.de/en/research/csl More about the UNITAC project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65BpmUCsRb4&feature=youtu.be Gesa's homepage: https://www.gesa-ziemer.com/english/home/ Gesa on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gesa-ziemer/