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
16 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 21min
Platform Classics: Foundational works on the Economics of Networks
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.
15 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 46min
Platform Strategy and Business Models with Andrei Hagiu
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.
Apr 3, 2024 • 41min
Interaction Fields with Erich Joachimsthaler
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.
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.
