UCL SoM Associate Professor Joost Rietveld was recently interviewed by The Platform Law Blog to discuss his insights into platform competition and strategy. Joost has been a major contributor to the public debate in this area in the past few years. He is an expert on platform competition and platform strategy—topics on which he has published research articles in top academic journals in the fields of business strategy, innovation management, and entrepreneurship.
Joost has done extensive research in the video game industry after having worked as a strategic manager and consultant for several years prior to entering academia. He operates Platform Papers, an online resource that collects, organises, and translates academic literature on platform competition and Big Tech.
Joost’s journey into platform competition research was sparked by his experiences in the video game industry. Observing the significant impact of platforms on business performance, he was inspired to delve deeper into the intricate dynamics of platform strategies and competition. This realisation fuelled his pursuit of a PhD, laying the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to the field.
A highlight of Joost’s academic career is his mentorship of aspiring scholars, exemplified by his guidance of UCL SoM PhD student Joe Ploog. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in impactful research publications, highlighting Joost’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars. Additionally, Joost’s establishment of Platform Papers demonstrates his dedication to democratising access to academic knowledge in the realm of platform competition and Big Tech.
His expertise extends beyond academia, as he actively engages in public debates on regulatory issues. His critical analysis of regulatory concerns, such as the Microsoft/Activision merger, exemplifies his ability to provide nuanced perspectives on complex topics. Joost advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasising the importance of management scholars in shaping informed policy decisions.
Looking ahead, Joost is poised to embark on a series of ambitious endeavours. From organising conferences to launching new courses, his initiatives promise to advance the frontier of knowledge in platform competition and digital markets. Through his sabbatical pursuits and collaborations with renowned research institutions, Joost seeks to expand his network and deepen his research contributions.
His journey shows the intersection of academia, industry, and public policy in unraveling the complexities of platform competition. His deep expertise and pioneering initiatives underscore his pivotal role in shaping discourse and driving innovation in the digital landscape. As Joost continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, his insights promise to illuminate new pathways for navigating the evolving terrain of platform competition and strategy.
Read the full interview here.
