Content
Digital platforms are experiencing increasing importance and impact. Two-sided markets extend existing “traditional” offers in many domains already. Examples include platforms for short-term accommodation rental, crowd work, delivery services, and auction platforms. The platform paradigm exhibits a set of unique characteristics and intricacies which will be explored in this course. This includes the design of platforms, mechanisms, and business models, the phenomena of network effects and critical mass, consumer types, motives, and behaviors, as well as the paramount importance of trust and reputation. The course is complemented by case studies and guest lectures held by industry partners.