This book introduces platform firms as unique business models.
Leveraging on the early literature on network economics and strategy
frameworks, this book explores how platform business firms evolve in the
modern business world. Taking a strategic perspective, this book engages
the reader with core concepts, case studies, and frameworks for
analyzing platform business firms. This book differentiates platform
business firms from traditional pipeline firms; explores engagement with
different actors, value creation, and operations of platforms;
elucidates resources and capabilities of platform firms that provide
them sustained competitive advantage; analyzes performance levers in
operating platform business models, including complementarities with
other business models; and discusses the sustainability of platform
business models, in the face of regulatory and societal challenges,
among others.
The book is designed as a primer for entrepreneurs setting up and
operating platform business firms, senior managers in large corporations
repurposing their resources to initiate network dynamics in their
businesses, early career managers, and professionals engaging with
myriad platform firms for their professional and personal needs. This
book intends to provide a decision-maker with a portfolio of decisions
to make to create, operate, sustain, and generate value out of a
platform business firm. It is also useful for policy professionals to
appreciate the economics and policy implications of regulating and
governing platforms in a post-digital world.
