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Digital Economy

Platform Pricing: Strategy and Regulation

Explore strategic behavior of platforms and scrutinize the key policy actions governments implement.

10h (5 days)

€675 - €1,175

Face-to-face

English

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Learn more

Platform Pricing: Strategy and Regulation

Applications for 2025 Summer School programs are now open!

Summer school

Digital Economy

Platform Pricing: Strategy and Regulation

Course Overview

In a world where the digital revolution continues to reshape our economy, staying at the forefront of this dynamic landscape is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Platforms play a leading role in this transformation, and for this reason, we will explore their strategic behavior while scrutinizing key policy actions implemented by governments. This exploration will be conducted using a combination of theoretical tools (e.g., basic microeconomics and game theory), alongside pertinent case studies, including but not limited to Amazon, Airbnb, Apple, Booking.com, Google, and Microsoft. Furthermore, our analysis will extend to how the digital economy disrupts conventional business models while simultaneously creating new opportunities.

This course is particularly suitable for advanced graduate students with a solid background in economics as well as practitioners eager to align their insights with the latest academic research on platform strategies.

By the end of the course, participants will not only grasp the fundamental principles of platform pricing but also translate them into practical knowledge. They will develop a keen understanding of emerging trends in this domain, enabling them to influence decision-making processes within their organizations and shape the policies that govern the digital economy. Moreover, the participants will master the art of evaluating both theoretical and empirical analyses and learn how to present their findings effectively to diverse audiences.

Faculty

In a world where the digital revolution continues to reshape our economy, staying at the forefront of this dynamic landscape is no longer an option; it's necessary

This course would be ideal for:

Advanced graduate students with a solid background in economics
Practitioners eager to align their insights with the latest academic research on platform strategies

Understand emerging trends in the digital economy

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Change grasp to understand the fundamental principles of platform pricing
Translate theoretical principles of platform pricing into practical knowledge
Influence decision-making processes within their organizations
Shape policies governing the digital economy
Evaluate both theoretical and empirical analyses
Present their findings effectively to diverse audiences

Syllabus for Platform Pricing: Strategy and Regulation

Platform Business Model and Pricing

Business models of digital platforms
Pricing in two-sided markets
The importance of network externalities

Competition Policy Implications of Digital Platforms

Abuse of dominant position: Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, and Google; Epic and Spotify versus Apple; EU against price parity clauses; regulatory interventions (fee caps)

Pricing and Non-pricing Strategies in the Sharing Economy

The rise of the sharing economy and its transformation
The cases of Uber, Blablacar, and Airbnb

New Challenges

Cloud computing
Telemedicine and precision medicine
Data pooling and data sharing

List of References

There is no compulsory textbook. However, a useful and freely downloadable book is:

Ganuza, J.J. and G. Llober (2018) Economic Analysis of the Digital Revolution.

Books

If you have a background in economics and want to know more about the subject, the following textbook may be useful:

Belleflamme, P. and M. Peitz (2021). “The Economics of Platforms”, Cambridge University Press.

The following book provides an essential guide to understanding the strategies behind dominant platforms. It is very useful for management students.

Belleflamme, P. and N. Neysen (2023). “Platform Strategies: A Guidebook for Entrepreneurs in the Platform Economy”. Routledge.
Parker, G., Van Alstyne, M. and S. Choudary (2017). “Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets AreTransforming the Economy–and How to Make Them Work for You”, W.W. NORTON & Company.

Why join our Summer School?

All BSE Summer courses are taught to the same high standard as our Master’s programs. Join us to:

1

Network with like-minded peers

2

Study in vibrant Barcelona

3

Learn from world-renowned faculty

Admissions and Requirements

Please make sure you are eligible to apply before submitting your application.

Program date: June 30 - July 4, 2025

Early bird deadline: April 15, 2025

Requirements

A strong background in Economics or a field closely related to the course topic (Statistics, Law, etc.)
Postgraduate degree or current Master’s/PhD studies related to the course topic
Relevant professional experience

Requirements for Platform Pricing Strategy and Regulation

Basic knowledge of Industrial Economics is recommended

Schedule

Here is your schedule for this edition of BSE Digital Economy Summer School, Platform Pricing Strategy and Regulation course.

Time

30

mon

1

tue

2

wed

3

thu

4

fri

11:30 - 13:30

Lecture

Credit Transfers (ECTS)

To be eligible for credit transfer, students must complete a final project.

Students will deliver a short final project one week after the summer school finishes. It will consist in solving a final problem that will include the practical and empirical issues worked on in class.

Consult the Summer School Admissions page for more information about this option.

Certificate of Attendance

Participants who attend more than 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, free of charge.

Fees for 2025

Multiple course discounts are available, consult our fees and discounts to learn more. Fees for courses in other Summer School programs may vary.

Course

The Economics of Artificial Intelligence

Platform Pricing: Strategy and Regulation

Understanding Digital Business Models, Platform Markets and Digital Strategies.

Digital Empirical Methods for Cartel and Corruption Screening in Procurement

Modality

Face-to-face

Total Hours

10

ECTS

1

Regular Fee

1,175€

Reduced Fee*

675€

* Reduced Fee applies for PhD or Master’s students, Alumni of BSE Master’s programs, and participants who are unemployed.

FAQ

Need more information? Check out our most commonly asked questions.

Can I see the full Summer School calendar?

You can view the full Summer School calendar here.

Is accommodation included in the course fee?

Unfortunately, accommodation is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for finding accommodation.

Are the sessions recorded?

Sessions will NOT be recorded; however, the materials provided by the professor will be available for a month after the course has finished.

How much does each Summer School course cost?

Fees for each course may vary. Please consult each course page for accurate information.

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, BSE offers a variety of discounts on its Summer School courses. See more information about available discounts or request a personalized discount quote by email.