In recent years, innovative businesses have used a range of novel digital tools, from apps to AI, to invent new business models and delight customers with convenience, high quality, and low prices. This wave of technology-fueled disruption has already transformed many industries, and it’s just getting started. This executive program explores how new and existing business strategies can be improved through the introduction of technologies and digital systems. The framework of the course is based on the book Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future written by MIT Sloan faculty and New York Times best selling authors Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee. This places the program in a unique position to leverage the knowledge and experience of these experts and guide you towards the creation of innovative business strategies.
This 6-week course will guide you through an exploration of the principles that underpin Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee’s book, research, and teaching. It frames this particular approach to business strategy as an attempt to find a balance between methods that have been used traditionally and new ways in which companies can use technology to improve their best-practices.
The main focus of this executive program is the rebalancing of three key relationships: human minds and machines; physical products and digital platforms; and the core (centralized knowledge) and the crowd (decentralized knowledge). You’ll be introduced to examples of companies that have excelled at finding a harmony between tradition and technology. Furthermore, you’ll be supported in uncovering ways to relate these principles to your organization through weekly, ongoing project submissions which encourage you to apply concepts to a business scenario.
"People are racing against the machine, and many of them are losing that race… Instead of racing against the machine, we need to learn to race with the machine. That is our grand challenge." – Erik Brynjolfsson
Welcome to your Online Campus
Introducing Digital Transformation
Artificial Intelligence
Platforms in a Digital Economy
The Platform Revolution
Harnessing the Crowd
Limits to Decentralization
Upon successful completion of your course, you will earn a certificate of completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management. This course may also count toward
MIT Sloan Executive Certificate requirements
.
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
Explore the ways in which the strategies for new or existing businesses can be improved with transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI)
Understand the need to rebalance the three key relationships: human minds and machines; physical products and digital platforms; and the core and the crowd
Identify transformative principles that have worked for real-world companies as you explore ways to implement them in your own context
Develop a review of how transformational technologies could fit into a business of your choice
"We want the participants in this program to do work that is relevant for their businesses; for their organizations. The assignments are geared that way, the overall homework for the program is geared that way. We don’t want this to be a dry exercise at all. We want the participants to be thinking and acting in ways that will help out their organizations."
– Andrew McAfee, Co-Director of the Initiative on the Digital Economy
This program aims to provide CEOs, managers, C-suite executives, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to analyze traditional business strategy models and enhance them in light of ever-present disruptive technologies. By highlighting the need to explore new balances between mind and machine, product and platform, and the core and the crowd, this program will enable participants to analyze and alter (if necessary) their business strategies to introduce, or better deal with the introduction of, disruptive technologies.
This course is delivered in our Self-Paced Online format which enables you to participate at your own pace within weekly modules. This course runs over 6 weeks with an estimated 6-8 hours per week of study time
Earn a certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management
You will learn through a variety of formats including interactive videos, practice quizzes, presentations, assignments, and discussion forums
You will have access to a Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have
"The program provided a clear and practical perspective on how the digital economy is changing the way businesses create value, compete, and grow. It helped me look at familiar business challenges differently and connect the ideas with real decisions. I would recommend it to anyone seeking a stronger understanding of business strategy in the digital economy."
Ahmed M
"I found this to be a very insightful and foundational strategy course that explores how business workflows can be transformed through data-driven processes leveraging machine learning, digital platforms, and decentralized knowledge. The frameworks presented are clear, practical, and enduring, providing a structured way to think about digital transformation across organizations. Overall, the material both solidified and meaningfully expanded my understanding of the topics covered, making it a valuable course for anyone interested in the strategic implications of digital technologies."
Matthew B
"This program offered exactly the kind of structured depth I was looking for. The central thesis that we are at the beginning of a technology-driven step change, not a gradual evolution resonated strongly with what I observe in my executive search practice every day. Future leaders need to strike a new balance between minds and machines, products and platforms, and the core and the crowd tailored to their specific business model. The course helped me further sharpen how I work with clients on defining executive profiles and selecting candidates who will drive impact in their specific context. A valuable investment for anyone in a strategic advisory role."
Joerg H
"I am deeply impressed with MIT Sloan School of Management's course Digital Business Strategy: Harnessing Our Digital Future, based on the groundbreaking book Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee. The course brilliantly links digital technologies with economics concepts in an impressive way, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding how digital transformation reshapes business models, competitive dynamics, and value creation. Also, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee are exceptional communicators! Their ability to make complex economic and technological concepts accessible and engaging truly enhances the learning experience. Understanding the economic principles behind digital technologies enables leaders to make more strategic decisions about AI adoption, platform investments, and organizational change. As we navigate the AI revolution, combining technical knowledge with economic thinking becomes essential. This course provides the strategic lens needed to evaluate digital initiatives not just as technology projects, but as fundamental business transformations. I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to learn or improve their digital strategy knowledge, whether you're leading AI transformation initiatives, developing platform strategies, or simply staying ahead in our rapidly evolving digital landscape."
Luis M
"Understanding AI Busienss, this lecture is the most recommendable lecture in the world."
Jooha L
"This program provided an excellent blend of strategic frameworks and practical applications in digital transformation."
Hiroki S
"Quite a great and comprehensive course I could recommend to anyone interested in learning about how digital facet of the organisations could work in these days, and changing era of technology"
Ivan N
"Great course on digital business concepts, the content performs a deep dive on the impact of machine, platform and crowd. The course project is a good approach guiding the student as they apply digital business principles to a business challenge of their choice."
Daniel P
"The content, tools, course work and setting altogether help you discover a practical Digital Strategy even when you are in a traditional industry!"
U man C
"Good course for professionals looking into overall digital strategy, it really helps thinking as a digital leader with practical examples and an engaging format, staying top line and without going into tech or digital operations. At the same time, I personally believe it may be generic for digital professionals; also, it still relies on dated content showing examples of marketplaces and platforms that show mixed results in the long run. Still, a critical mind will enjoy it as a great refresher of digital strategy and give new perspectives into doing business in digital today."
Nicolo r
Same topic, Similar duration - Broader exploration across all institutes
Speak with an Advisor
Prashansa Uttam
Programme Advisor
Executive Education Office
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
