Leveraging Multi-sided Platforms with AI for Business Leaders

Platforms are reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and challenging traditional business models. Multi-sided platforms — businesses that connect users across different groups to generate value — are driving this transformation. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) is amplifying the impact of platforms, enabling faster scaling, enhanced efficiency, and innovative revenue streams. For business leaders, understanding how to strategically harness the power of AI-enhanced platforms is critical to staying competitive in this evolving landscape.

This program equips leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive transformation within their organizations by designing, scaling, and leading platform-based business models. We focus on developing the strategic mindset needed to innovatively lead in an increasingly platform-driven world. You’ll gain practical insights into how AI can amplify platform performance and uncover new opportunities for growth while honing the leadership skills necessary to steer your organization through growth and disruption.

In addition, leaders of traditional, non-platform businesses will gain valuable strategies to anticipate and respond to the competitive challenges posed by platform-driven disruptors, ensuring their organizations remain agile and resilient.

In this hands-on, strategy-focused program, you will gain critical insights from detailed case studies and simulations created by industry experts and successful innovators. Whether you operate in a traditional B2B or B2C business, or lead in an emerging sector, you’ll discover how to harness platforms to deliver lasting value and competitive advantage.

Program Benefits

• Develop the skills needed to design, test, and grow multi-sided platform businesses in your industry.
• Explore how AI can improve platform performance, enhance user engagement, and unlock new revenue streams.
• Identify the optimal route to test, launch, and grow a new revenue model.
• Prepare your business to face competition from AI-powered platform companies and Web3-powered decentralized entities.
• Anticipate the future trajectory of industries as AI and platforms continue to reshape global markets.

Participants will also earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, further validating their expertise.

Topics Covered

• AI-Driven Platform Growth: The power, limits, and trajectory of AI as a driver of innovation and revenue.
• Building and Scaling Multi-Sided Platforms: Key functions every platform must perform to deliver value and sustain growth.
• The Power of Network Effects: Learn how a platform’s value grows as more users join, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of engagement, scalability, and market dominance.
• Competing with Platforms: Actionable strategies to help traditional companies thrive in a platform-driven economy by countering platform competition.

Format

The interactive online sessions will be a mix of small group exercises, plenary debates, and simulations.

Participants will prepare for each online session by watching pre-recorded lectures and interviews highlighting one or more case studies with platform founders. These videos must be previewed prior to the online sessions.

Who Should Enroll

As platforms continue to reshape industries, leaders must adapt to stay competitive. This program provides business leaders with practical, actionable insights into how to harness the power of platforms and AI to drive growth, innovation, and lasting success.

It is ideal for:

• B2B and B2C executives seeking to innovate and adapt their business models in response to platform-driven disruption.
• Leaders responsible for strategy, product development, or innovation who want to drive growth and transformation.
• Technologists, marketers, and investors engaged in platform-based ventures looking to maximize returns and scalability.
• Leaders of traditional, non-platform businesses who need to anticipate and respond to the competitive challenges posed by platform-based competitors.

Whether you are leading a traditional enterprise or an emerging business, this program will equip you with the strategic mindset and leadership skills needed to navigate the platform economy and succeed in a rapidly evolving market.