Business Model of the Future: Platform Economy

The continuing education course "Business Model of the Future: Platform Economy" offers comprehensive insights into the increasingly dominant business models of the platform economy and is specifically designed to support managers and decision-makers in companies in securing the future viability of their business strategies.

An essential component of the course is understanding the platform revolution. Participants learn how platform business models challenge and often surpass classic pipeline models. This is illustrated using examples such as the disappearance of traditional giants like Nokia. The differences between marketplaces, matchmakers, networks, and ecosystems are thoroughly explained, enabling participants to recognize and consider the possibilities and limitations of each model.

At the core of the platform economy are network effects that occur in two-sided markets. In the course, participants learn how such effects, both positive and negative, influence the growth and scaling of a platform and how the notorious chicken-and-egg problem can be overcome. Monetization and building trust on platforms are other central topics that directly impact a platform's success.

Participants also learn how to develop platforms from scratch. This includes creating platform visions from existing business models and building MVPs (Minimum Viable Platforms) with minimal resources. The use of start-up tools such as the Value Proposition Canvas or Platform Canvas is also addressed to structure and focus the path to platform development.

On a strategic level, the course covers differentiation through customer touchpoints, the importance of technologies as enablers, and data as a strategic resource. Participants receive best-practice examples, learn about regulatory needs, and how Lean Metrics are used to measure a platform's success.

The course is particularly suitable for CEOs, managers, and other executives from strategy and business development areas who want to deepen their knowledge of platform models and develop an individual platform business model for their company.

An important part of the course is the "Open Badges" certificate, a recognized digital participation certificate that officially confirms and documents the learning success. The course opens up opportunities to expand a company's competitiveness and adapt to dynamic market requirements by implementing new and effective business strategies.

• 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 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.
• Choosing, testing, and establishing monetization strategies.
• Openness and participation – the tightrope act of turning "consumers" into "prosumers."
• Trust: how to build trust on the platform.
• Think big, start small: how to develop a platform vision from a classic business model.
• Mastering startup tools and recognizing the common thread: knowing platform toolkits and selecting suitable ones, e.g., Value Proposition Canvas, Business Model Canvas, Platform Canvas.
• Building an MVP – Minimum Viable Platform with basic resources.
• Customer touchpoints: strategic differentiation and the raw material for platform business models.
• Technologies as enablers and data as a strategic resource – best practice examples.
• Excursus: "The winner takes it all" – the need for platform regulation.