Years ago, I started mapping out the evolution of Alibaba with pictures. I was having a hard time keeping all the moving parts in mind. And I was becoming more and more convinced that digital company development is path dependent. What comes next depends on what just happened. Microsoft is only capable of its current […]
Category Archives: Competitive Advantage
Why Prediction and Machine Learning Aren’t Competitive Advantages (Yet) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
I have used the terms digital and data technology interchangeably. And I have described them as things made of bits and bytes. Of ones and zeros. Instead of physical products and services. And I have spoken quite a bit about how things made of bits and bytes have different economics. They have powerful but also […]
How Grab Uses Geographic Density Technology to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency (3 of 4) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
In this captivating article by Jeff Towson, discover the remarkable insights derived from Grab’s mastery of geographic density and other cost efficiencies through technology. Gain valuable knowledge about the strategies employed by Grab to optimize operations and achieve scalability in the highly competitive tech industry. Don’t miss out on this exclusive membership content that offers a comprehensive analysis of Grab’s tech strategy and its implications for businesses across various sectors.
Lessons in Purchasing Economies from Costco, JD and Pinduoduo (Tech Strategy – Podcast 142)
Apple and Pinduoduo are two companies that have been successful in purchasing economies. In this podcast, Jeff Towson discusses four lessons that can be learned from these companies. These lessons include the importance of understanding the customer, the importance of having a platform strategy, and the importance of having a strong brand.
Geographic Density and How Meituan Finally Became Profitable (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
Why do humans live in cities? And why does the urbanization rate of most countries keep increasing? Because there are lots of efficiencies when you put people and companies close together. Goods and services become cheaper and faster to distribute. Electricity, sewage, gas, and other infrastructure services become cheaper and easier to provide. And there […]
How AB InBev is Disrupting the Beverage Industry with Zé Delivery (Tech Strategy – Podcast 139)
Discover how AB InBev and Ze Delivery are revolutionizing the ecommerce scene in the beverage industry in this engaging podcast by Jeffrey Towson. Gain insights into the innovative strategies these companies are employing to disrupt traditional models. This is a must-read for anyone interested in ecommerce trends, tech innovations, and the rapidly evolving beverage market.
Zé Delivery’s “Wow” Experiences vs. Ant’s Sustained Innovation Imperative (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
I recently met with Rodolfo Chung, CEO of rapidly rising Zé Delivery in Brazil. This is a beverage delivery service that was launched by AB InBev right before Covid – and then took off like a rocket during the lockdown. Basically, it’s a mobile app that lets you order any of 500 SKUs for beer, […]
Why Economies of Scale Is Still the Default Digital Strategy (Tech Strategy – Podcast 135)
Jeff Towson delves into the concept of economies of scale as the predominant strategy in the digital realm. He provides valuable insights into why it continues to be a vital factor shaping digital business models. Understanding this strategy is key to succeeding in the digital landscape.
Buffett’s Airline Stocks and an Intro to Economies of Scale in Fixed Costs (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
Economies of scale as a phenomenon goes back to Adam Smith, so it is, unsurprisingly, often described in industrial terms. It is the phenomenon where per unit costs decrease with increasing volume or throughput (i.e., output produced per unit of time). This can result from quite a few different factors – such as: The division […]
Scarce and Cornered Resources: Competitive Advantage Lessons from the Fall of Star Wars (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
This article delves into the rare and quirky competitive advantage of scarce or cornered resources, highlighting its increasing relevance in the digital age. It uses the Star Wars franchise as a case study to illustrate how valuable intellectual property and unique creative teams can be cornered resources, and how their mismanagement can lead to downfall. The discussion also sheds light on other potential forms of scarce resources, including tangible assets, people-based assets, and emerging digital assets.