In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the emerging art of ecosystem management. He argues that ecosystems are more important than platforms in the digital economy, and that companies need to focus on orchestrating and managing their ecosystems in order to succeed. He compares Alibaba’s ecosystem to Android’s, and argues that both companies have been successful because they have created ecosystems that are open and collaborative.
Category Archives: SMILE Marathon: Ecosystem / Platform Orchestration and Participation
Forget the “Alibaba Ecosystem”. It’s About Collaboration-Based Industries and Business Models. (Tech Strategy – Podcast 56)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson argues that the term “Alibaba ecosystem” is misleading, and that the company’s success is better explained by its focus on collaboration-based industries and business models. He discusses the importance of open and inclusive ecosystems, and provides examples of other companies that have been successful by following this approach. For example, Towson cites the success of Android, which has become the world’s most popular mobile operating system by creating an open and inclusive ecosystem that allows developers to create apps for a wide range of devices.
Services Marketplaces 3.0: A Platform for Therapists?
There is an interesting company in China called MyTherapist. It is a digital marketplace platform for services. But instead of connecting consumers with drivers and restaurants, it connects them with therapists and life coaches. That is a really interesting idea and highlights how marketplace platforms are really still in their infancy. Marketplace platforms began with […]
How Epic Games and Game Engines Are Disrupting Media / Entertainment. (Tech Strategy)
The following link is to a 6 Part Primer for Epic Games by Michael Ball. Michael is a highly regarded thinker on US media and entertainment. And media is a space that tends to change quickly with digital. I encourage you to read this. You might have noticed Epic Games in the news lately: They […]
Can Xiaomi or Meitu Win as Platforms / Ecosystems? (2 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Podcast 44)
Xiaomi and Meitu are two Chinese companies that are trying to build platforms / ecosystems. Xiaomi has been more successful so far, but Meitu has a number of advantages that could help it catch up. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the winner in this race.
Xiaomi, Meitu and Why Platforms Fail (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Podcast 43)
Platforms are becoming increasingly important in the digital economy, but they are also very difficult to build and maintain. Xiaomi and Meitu are two Chinese companies that are trying to build platforms, and they are facing a number of challenges. Jeffrey Towson offers his advice for how to build a successful platform.
Will Farfetch or Secoo Win in Luxury Ecommerce in China? (Tech Strategy – Podcast 38)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the competitive landscape between Farfetch and Secoo in the luxury e-commerce market in China. He argues that Farfetch has the global reach and brand recognition, while Secoo has the strong local presence and relationships with luxury brands. Towson believes that the winner of this race will depend on which company can execute its strategy better and adapt to the ever-changing Chinese market.
Huawei, Luckin and the SMILE Marathon (Tech Strategy – Podcast 34)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses how Huawei and Luckin Coffee are using digital technology to create a sustainable competitive advantage. He argues that these companies are winning the “SMILE Marathon” by competing on scale, scope, efficiency, and effectiveness. Towson provides examples of how Huawei and Luckin Coffee are using digital technology to improve their operations, and he discusses the implications for businesses of all sizes.