Digital Platforms: Industry Dynamics and Business Strategies

Annabelle Gawer
6 July, 16.00-17.30
Business School Lower Ground Square Lecture Theatre

Synopsis

Technological platforms have emerged in most high-tech industries today and they have started to transform the business landscape in which they have emerged. Digital platforms are an important category of technological platforms. This non-technical talk will highlight the ways in which the emergence of platforms affects the nature of competition as well as the nature of innovation. I shall cover topics such as : What is a platform, — and what is not? Are there pre-conditions to become a platform? What are industry ecosystems? What is the relationship between open innovation and digital platforms? Are digital platforms equivalent to multi-sided markets? Are there effective business strategies to transform a product, service or technology into a platform?

Biography

Annabelle Gawer is Assistant Professor in Strategy and Innovation. Her pioneering research on platform leadership and ecosystem dynamics has led to new understanding of the rules of high-tech industries, ranging from computers and telecoms to electronics. Annabelle’ first book, Platform Leadership: How Intel, Microsoft, and Cisco Drive Industry Innovation (Harvard Business School Press, 2002), co-authored with MIT Prof. M Cusumano, has become a reference in business and academia, and has had an impact on top-management thinking worldwide. Her more recent book, Platforms, Markets and Innovation (Edward Elgar, 2009), is quickly becoming a reference in the field of platforms research. She continues to explore the nature of technological platforms and their impact on industry dynamics, business strategy, and firm’s organization, in a variety of industries.

If you would like to attend please contact Rikki Dean to register