Marshall W. Van Alstyne Books

For centuries, economic activity followed a linear path: inputs became outputs, flowing through supply chains to consumers. These were “pipelines”—efficient but rigid systems with value moving in one direction and control locked firmly in the hands of operators. The platform model radically changes ...

From Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy and How to Make Them Work for You

Behind every successful platform lies the power of network effects—the phenomenon where each new user increases the value of the network for everyone else. Skillful design can turn network effects into a reinforcing loop: more users attract more producers, more producers attract more users, and grow...

From Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy and How to Make Them Work for You

For centuries, economic exchange has revolved around linear processes: inputs are transformed into outputs, then moved down a supply chain toward a consumer. We call these systems pipelines. They are efficient, but rigid—value flows in one direction, and control resides with the business operator. P...

From Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy—and How to Make Them Work for You

At the heart of every successful platform lies the phenomenon of network effects—the mechanism by which each additional user increases the value of the network for others. When designed well, network effects produce an unstoppable feedback loop. More users attract more producers; more producers attr...

From Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy—and How to Make Them Work for You