Basic understanding of platforms

• The disruptive power of platforms - why Nokia and co. had to leave the field.
• The platform revolution: platform vs. pipeline business models.
• The differences between marketplaces, matchmakers, networks, platforms and ecosystems.

The 1x1 of the platform economy

• The most important types of network effects in two-sided markets.
• Scalability, economies of scale, positive and negative network effects.
• Strategies for overcoming the chicken and egg problem.
• Select, test and establish monetization strategies.
• Openness and participation - the balancing act of turning "consumers" into "prosumers".
• Trust: How to build trust on the platform.

How to start a platform

• Think big, start small: How do you develop a platform vision from a classic business model?
• Master the start-up tools and recognize the common thread: Know platform toolkits and select suitable ones, e.g. Value Proposition Canvas, Business Model Canvas, Platform Canvas ...
• Building an MVP - Minimum Viable Platform with board resources.

Strategic consideration of platforms

• customers: Strategic differentiation and the raw material for platform business models.
• Technology as an enabler and data as a strategic resource - best practice examples.
• Excursus: "The winner takes it all" - need for regulation of platforms.
• Lean metrics of a platform - "If you can't measure it you can't manage it". Measuring platform success and the KPI differences to pipeline business models.