Executive Education
    ... Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms—Virtual Right arrow Overview
    ... Right arrow Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms—Virtual Right arrow Overview
    New Program

    Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms—Virtual

    New Program
    Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms—Virtual
    View In-Person Program Offering
    David Yoffie

    "Platforms are big business. The world is moving in this direction and companies need to understand the implications."

    David B. Yoffie
    Faculty Chair
    Learn More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    David Yoffie

    "Platforms are big business. The world is moving in this direction and companies need to understand the implications."

    David B. Yoffie
    Faculty Chair
    Learn More
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

    Summary

    Without exception, the most valuable companies in the world today are platforms. Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and many other firms have built their fortunes by facilitating innovation across global ecosystems or enabling the broad exchange of goods and services. There are different paths to success in the digital world, whether a company wants to compete as a new platform or to leverage an existing platform for competitive advantage. This virtual program will show you how to create sustainable value whether you are competing as, with, or against digital platforms.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Summary

    Without exception, the most valuable companies in the world today are platforms. Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and many other firms have built their fortunes by facilitating innovation across global ecosystems or enabling the broad exchange of goods and services. There are different paths to success in the digital world, whether a company wants to compete as a new platform or to leverage an existing platform for competitive advantage. This virtual program will show you how to create sustainable value whether you are competing as, with, or against digital platforms.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms.

    Key Benefits
    For business leaders, platforms present enormous opportunities but also pose serious risks. Competing in what have been called "multi-sided markets driven by network effects" is often akin to playing three-dimensional chess. By examining the essential strategic insights of platform businesses and markets, this live online program will help you maximize the value and minimize the costs of creating, managing, or engaging with platforms.

    DetailsCollapse All

    Compete in the age of digital platformsCompete in the age of digital platforms
    Dropdown down
    • Develop strategies for creating, managing, or engaging with digital platforms that deliver a competitive advantage
    • Understand the core fundamentals of how to launch and maintain a platform business so you can outperform digital and conventional competitors
    • Troubleshoot problems associated with developing, overseeing, or interacting with a platform business
    Understand the unique dynamics of platform businesses and marketsUnderstand the unique dynamics of platform businesses and markets
    Dropdown down
    • Identify the critical factors that cause a platform business to succeed or fail as well as determine how to reinvigorate a struggling platform
    • Recognize the social and ethical responsibilities that come with creating or leveraging a platform business
    • Address governance issues, such as what you allow consumers to do with your platform and how to prevent misuse or abuse of platform capabilities
    • Understand the influence of data privacy laws, antitrust, and other regulations
    Manage platforms as a successful businessManage platforms as a successful business
    Dropdown down
    • Maximize value for your business by interacting with the right platforms in the right way
    • Manage challenges associated with belonging to or building, owning, or operating a platform
    • Explore options for responding to platform competitors
    • Know the steps to take to "buy" a platform to accelerate time to market
    Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
    Dropdown down
    • Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Key Benefits Dropdown up

    Key Benefits Dropdown down

    For business leaders, platforms present enormous opportunities but also pose serious risks. Competing in what have been called "multi-sided markets driven by network effects" is often akin to playing three-dimensional chess. By examining the essential strategic insights of platform businesses and markets, this live online program will help you maximize the value and minimize the costs of creating, managing, or engaging with platforms.
    Details

    Compete in the age of digital platforms

    • Develop strategies for creating, managing, or engaging with digital platforms that deliver a competitive advantage
    • Understand the core fundamentals of how to launch and maintain a platform business so you can outperform digital and conventional competitors
    • Troubleshoot problems associated with developing, overseeing, or interacting with a platform business

    Understand the unique dynamics of platform businesses and markets

    • Identify the critical factors that cause a platform business to succeed or fail as well as determine how to reinvigorate a struggling platform
    • Recognize the social and ethical responsibilities that come with creating or leveraging a platform business
    • Address governance issues, such as what you allow consumers to do with your platform and how to prevent misuse or abuse of platform capabilities
    • Understand the influence of data privacy laws, antitrust, and other regulations

    Manage platforms as a successful business

    • Maximize value for your business by interacting with the right platforms in the right way
    • Manage challenges associated with belonging to or building, owning, or operating a platform
    • Explore options for responding to platform competitors
    • Know the steps to take to "buy" a platform to accelerate time to market

    Expand your personal and professional network

    • Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Who Should Attend

    • C-level or senior leaders engaged in strategic planning or developing new businesses at companies in any industry (e.g., technology, retail, financial services, auto, insurance, consumer products, etc.)
    • Senior leaders who want to work more effectively with platforms or respond to new opportunities in the business of platforms
    • Senior leaders overseeing specific platforms at large platform organizations
    • Entrepreneurs and startup founders of platform businesses
    • Board members interested in exploring or understanding platform businesses

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 2 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    • C-level or senior leaders engaged in strategic planning or developing new businesses at companies in any industry (e.g., technology, retail, financial services, auto, insurance, consumer products, etc.)
    • Senior leaders who want to work more effectively with platforms or respond to new opportunities in the business of platforms
    • Senior leaders overseeing specific platforms at large platform organizations
    • Entrepreneurs and startup founders of platform businesses
    • Board members interested in exploring or understanding platform businesses

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 2 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Leaders in Virtual Learning

    When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

    Dive Deeper into the Experience
    head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center
    Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations
    Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.
    Learn More
    Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
    Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
    Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
    Read Their Stories
    Play video
    Play video
    Discover more about business. And yourself.
    Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Leaders in Virtual Learning

    When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

    Dive Deeper into the Experience
    head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center
    Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations
    Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.
    Learn More
    Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
    Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
    Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
    Read Their Stories
    Play video
    Play video
    Discover more about business. And yourself.
    Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video

    Admissions Criteria and Process

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
    Read More
    Dropdown down

    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    More Admissions Information
    Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
    View In-Person Program Offering
    David Yoffie

    "Platforms are big business. The world is moving in this direction and companies need to understand the implications."

    David B. Yoffie
    Faculty Chair
    Learn More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    David Yoffie

    "Platforms are big business. The world is moving in this direction and companies need to understand the implications."

    David B. Yoffie
    Faculty Chair
    Learn More
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Related Programs
    New Program
    Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms
    Date TBD
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus

    Program Details
    Driving Digital Strategy—Virtual
    Date 08–18 MAR 2021
    Format Virtual

    Limited Availability

    Program Details
    New Program
    Competing in the Age of AI—Virtual
    Date 03 JUN–22 JUL 2021
    Format Virtual

    Program Details
    New Program
    Competing in the Age of AI—Virtual
    Date 23 SEP–11 NOV 2021
    Format Virtual

    Program Details
    Driving Digital Strategy
    Date TBD
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus

    Program Details
    Explore All ProgramsDownload Program Calendar
    Explore All ProgramsDownload Program Calendar
    Explore All ProgramsApplication PDF

    View Frequently Asked Questions

    Back to Top Arrow up