Platform Thinking: Read the past. Write the future.

What does platform thinking mean? It is the ability to put platform-based mechanisms at the core of digital business transformations in business.

Digital platforms like Uber, Spotify, Airbnb, Booking.com, and many others completely re-shaped the daily life of millions of users. However, many innovation leaders struggle to conceive the significance of their impact. Platform-based business models are not just the real of geeks’ startups, digital services, and Unicorns.

This book shows there that their potential in creating value is higher than suspected.

Even though platform ecosystems are complex, readers will take on a journey to become platform thinkers. Their eyes will be trained to look beyond what’s visible and start reading the platform world around them. Then, they will be guided into a step-by-step process and learn how to write a new platform model from scratch.

This book is the result of a decade of research. It offers both a framework and practical instruments to champion digital transformation in any organization. It is specially intended for those who are interested in the glittering platform world and are still trying to figure it out.

Daniel Trabucchi is Professor of Platform Thinking at Politecnico di Milano. His research focuses on business transformation, bringing together the strategic and human dimensions. He teaches at the executive level and advises international companies on how to identify new innovative directions.

Tommaso Buganza is Professor of Leadership & Innovation at Politecnico di Milano. His research activities are at the crossroad of Technology, Innovation, and Leadership. Platforms are the missing link among them; he teaches Platform Thinking to executives and consults international companies in search for a Platform-based transformations.