Platform Revolution

Overview

The first era of the digital age spanned mainframes, minicomputers, the personal computer, the Internet, the World Wide Web, social media, mobility, the cloud, and big data. We're now entering a second era where digital technologies permeate everything. Such inventions as machine learning, robotics, drones, software robots or "bots," process automation, and additive manufacturing are accelerating new types of platforms on which to build digital engines of the global economy. This second era has weighty implications for enterprise strategy and architecture. New business models will disrupt most industries and provide platforms for innovation for decades to come. This book looks at blockchain technologies as foundational to the governance and widespread adoption of these innovations—digital identities, data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, distributed energy infrastructure, and quantum computing. Every organization can finally become a truly digital entity if its leaders are prepared. This book is designed to prepare them for the waves of creative destruction ahead.

Reviews

"Don and crew deliver another fascinating and authoritative collection of the different ways blockchain and distributed ledger technology could—no, make that will—remake the systems of the world. Look beyond the hype and rags-to-riches-to-rags stories: this is about evolving the concept of Internet services away from the Amazons and Ubers and toward cooperative networks owned and run by their users and stakeholders. This book will make you optimistic about the future all over again."—Brian Behlendorf, General Manager, Blockchain, Healthcare, and Identity, The Linux Foundation  

"Great insight. Not only are platforms essential services, they are living entities that require care. Feed them, nurture them, and give them a social purpose in an active community. Recommended reading. One's digital transformation should not be a skyscraper built in Venice."—Ibrahim J. Gedeon, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, TELUS Corporation  

"Decentralization and democratization of our global platforms is a perennial battle worth fighting for. We lost much of that battle with the Web, but we have another chance with blockchain-based platforms. In this new book, Don Tapscott provides the vision and the leadership and expert contributors provide realistic roadmaps on how to get there."—Mary C. Lacity, PhD, Director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence, University of Arkansas  

"Blockchain Revolution was a trailblazer, introducing the key concepts and principles behind the technology. Platform Revolution is an amazing next chapter. It sets the scene for a paradigm shift in which blockchain serves as an open and neutral ledger for everything, enabling transparency, trust, and mass collaboration. Very good insights to position your enterprise for this next phase in the revolution."—Ian I. Putter, Head, Distributed Ledger Technology/Blockchain, Standard Bank Group  

"Decentralized, immutable, trusted, efficient. Blockchain will transform how platforms operate today and will usher in a new era of value exchange. Platform Revolution cleverly explores how blockchain can deliver value and accelerate digital transformation across multiple industries."—Debbie Gamble, Chief Officer Innovation Labs and New Ventures, Interac Corp.  

"Don Tapscott has brought together the finest minds in the industry on the convergence of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. With these innovations, we can build a future that benefits and empowers every single individual in the world, not just a select few. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand how technology and decentralization can help solve today's complex problems."—Pradeep Goel, Chief Executive Officer, Solve.Care

Author Biography

Don Tapscott is one of the world's leading authorities on the impact of technology on business and society. He has authored 16 books, including Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything, which has been translated into over 25 languages. Don's most recent book was co-authored with his son, Alex Tapscott. Blockchain Revolution: Harvard Business School's Clay Christensen said it is "the book, literally, on how to survive and thrive in this next wave of technology-driven disruption." Don is ranked the 2nd most influential Management Thinker and the top Digital Thinker in the world.