Executive Education
    H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
    Need Help? Contact Us: Program Advising team Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    New Program
    Competing in the Age of Digital Platforms—Virtual
    Dates: 22–26 MAR 2021
    Location: Virtual
    Fee: $5,000

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.

    This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule.

    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.

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    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
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    • 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
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    • 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
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    • 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
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    • 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.

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    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.

    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
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    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.
    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.

    What You Will Learn

    Featuring a blend of dynamic lectures and topical case studies, this virtual program examines the current state of platform businesses and explores new frontiers on the horizon. It also takes a closer look at the different aspects of network effects.

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    What You Will Learn

    Featuring a blend of dynamic lectures and topical case studies, this virtual program examines the current state of platform businesses and explores new frontiers on the horizon. It also takes a closer look at the different aspects of network effects.

    Program Format

    The program takes place over five days, with live online classes daily (9:00 AM to 12:20 PM ET, including a 20-minute break), and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.

    Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 1-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    Program Format

    The program takes place over five days, with live online classes daily (9:00 AM to 12:20 PM ET, including a 20-minute break), and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.

    Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 1-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.

    Key TopicsCollapse All

    Building a platform businessBuilding a platform business
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    • Identifying different "market sides" of a platform business, solving chicken-or-egg problems, designing a profitable business model, and governing a platform and its ecosystem
    • Exploring different sources of value in a platform business
    • Applying insights about why some platforms thrive—and others don't—as well as outlining the challenges to launch a successful platform business
    • Creating a platform that is relevant to a broad cross-section of traditional markets
    Managing challenges in a platform businessManaging challenges in a platform business
    Dropdown down
    • Studying the underlying economics that lead to sub-optimal outcomes in a platform business
    • Anticipating and avoiding problems associated with building an innovation or a transaction platform
    • Understanding the dynamics, limitations, and subtleties of networks and ecosystems
    • Recognizing how markets can tip and cause spectacular returns or devastating losses
    • Addressing governance issues caused by bad actors, counterfeit products, antitrust violations, and the merging of platforms
    Engaging with platformsEngaging with platforms
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    • Developing a plan and process for interacting with a platform business
    • Turning products into platforms that can compete in traditional or digital marketplaces
    • Transforming a business by incorporating complementary platforms in the digital economy
    • Understanding the "rules" of a platform and its implications for success as a business
    Discovering new frontiers in platform technologies and marketsDiscovering new frontiers in platform technologies and markets
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    • Exploring new and future platforms, such as self-driving cars, quantum computing, and gene editing
    • Analyzing how voice interfaces and AI technology, such as in Siri and Alexa, will likely develop into hybrid platforms for innovation and transactions

    Key Topics Dropdown up

    Key Topics Dropdown down

    Building a platform business

    • Identifying different "market sides" of a platform business, solving chicken-or-egg problems, designing a profitable business model, and governing a platform and its ecosystem
    • Exploring different sources of value in a platform business
    • Applying insights about why some platforms thrive—and others don't—as well as outlining the challenges to launch a successful platform business
    • Creating a platform that is relevant to a broad cross-section of traditional markets

    Managing challenges in a platform business

    • Studying the underlying economics that lead to sub-optimal outcomes in a platform business
    • Anticipating and avoiding problems associated with building an innovation or a transaction platform
    • Understanding the dynamics, limitations, and subtleties of networks and ecosystems
    • Recognizing how markets can tip and cause spectacular returns or devastating losses
    • Addressing governance issues caused by bad actors, counterfeit products, antitrust violations, and the merging of platforms

    Engaging with platforms

    • Developing a plan and process for interacting with a platform business
    • Turning products into platforms that can compete in traditional or digital marketplaces
    • Transforming a business by incorporating complementary platforms in the digital economy
    • Understanding the "rules" of a platform and its implications for success as a business

    Discovering new frontiers in platform technologies and markets

    • Exploring new and future platforms, such as self-driving cars, quantum computing, and gene editing
    • Analyzing how voice interfaces and AI technology, such as in Siri and Alexa, will likely develop into hybrid platforms for innovation and transactions

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by top faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Chair
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie

    David B. Yoffie

    Max and Doris Starr Professor of International Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Michael A. Cusumano
    Michael A. Cusumano
    Michael A. Cusumano

    Michael A. Cusumano

    MIT Sloan School of Management:

    Sloan Distinguished Professor of Management

    Read Full Bio

    Annabelle Gawer
    Annabelle Gawer
    Annabelle Gawer

    Annabelle Gawer

    University of Surrey:

    Chaired Professor in Digital Economy

    Read Full Bio

    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu

    Andy Wu

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Feng Zhu
    Feng Zhu
    Feng Zhu

    Feng Zhu

    Piramal Associate Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by top faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Chair
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie
    David B. Yoffie

    David B. Yoffie

    Max and Doris Starr Professor of International Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Michael A. Cusumano
    Michael A. Cusumano
    Michael A. Cusumano

    Michael A. Cusumano

    MIT Sloan School of Management:

    Sloan Distinguished Professor of Management

    Read Full Bio

    Annabelle Gawer
    Annabelle Gawer
    Annabelle Gawer

    Annabelle Gawer

    University of Surrey:

    Chaired Professor in Digital Economy

    Read Full Bio

    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu
    Andy Wu

    Andy Wu

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Strategy

    Read Full Bio

    Feng Zhu
    Feng Zhu
    Feng Zhu

    Feng Zhu

    Piramal Associate Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Technology and Operations Management

    Read Full Bio

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