Big Data and Analytics, Innovation
Leveling the Data Playing Field – Forming New Markets
The economic concept of asymmetric information is fascinating … so much so that research on the topic earned the 2001 Nobel Prize in economic sciences. The idea is that there is an imbalance of power in a transaction when one party has access to more information than the other. It results in buyers not being able to bid as much or sellers not knowing what to ask for an asset. Markets freeze up or at least huge price premia are placed on the uncertainty. Bringing more information to all sides allows for more efficient markets.
Of course, as technology has developed and more people have access to more information at less (or no) cost, asymmetry of information has started to break down. Today’s digital platforms enable information to be communicated very quickly in a format that is relevant to whatever decision a party needs to make.
In the case of Uber, for instance, drivers and passengers alike have access to the same information about the location and availability of – as well as demand for – drivers. That information can affect the outcome of the economic relationship between driver and passenger, both of whom choose to work together (or not) based on the same set of data. Airbnb does something similar with housing.
When asymmetry of information breaks down, markets operate more efficiently. It does not even mean that prices have to fall. In fact, in the case of Uber, it is now possible for drivers to earn premium fares during peak periods, something that was not possible in the past.
I think it will be interesting to see how digital platforms continue to remove the asymmetry of information in our daily decisions. Already Yelp helps us pick better restaurants. Similar models based on digital platforms are on the way in how we select housing, insurance, doctors, and even who to date (as in on-line dating services). In this age of big data analytics, data-driven decision making and information accessibility, symmetry of information will become more demanded and help us match supply and demand.
Follow me at @RussWalker1492 and russellwalkerphd.com
Professor Walker provides keynote talks, seminars presentations, executive training programs, and executive briefings.
Recent talk topics enjoyed by clients have included:
“From Big Data to Big Profits: Getting the Most from Your Data and Analytics”
“Data Monetization”
“Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Automation at Work”
“Winner Take All – Digital Strategy: From Data to Dominance”
“Success with an Inter-Generational Workforce: From Boomers to Millennials”
“FinTech, Payments, and Economic Trends and Outlooks in Consumer Lending”
“The World in 2050: Risks and Opportunities Ahead”
Exceptional executive training programs have included:
“Digital Disruption, Automation, Analytics, Data Science, the IoT, and the Big Data Wave”
“Master Course on Operational Risk: Measurement, Management, Leadership”
“Complete Course in Risk Management: Credit, Market, Operational, and Enterprise Risk”
“Cyber-security Training: Prevention, Preparation, and Post-Analysis”
“Managing Your Brand and Reputation in a Crisis.”
“Strategic Data-Driven Marketing”
“Enterprise Risk Management and the CRO”
Airbnb, Algorithm, Analytics, Apple, Artificial Intelligence, Asymmetric Information, Big Data, Big Data Analytics, Big Data to Big Profits, Data Analytics, Data Monetization, Data Products, Data Science, Digital Platforms, Economic Sciences, Uber
Russell Walker helps companies develop strategies to manage risk and harness value through analytics and big data. He has done novel research in data monetization and digital disruption and advises leading firms on these topics.
As Director of Experiential Learning in Analytics and Associate Teaching Professor of Marketing and International Business at the Foster School of Business, at the University of Washington, Dr. Walker is an academic thought-leader on analytics. Russell Walker has developed and taught leading executive programs on Big Data and Analytics, Strategic Data-Driven Marketing, Enterprise Risk, Operational Risk, and Global Leadership. Previous to moving to Seattle and the Foster School, Dr. Walker was Clinical Professor at the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, where he founded and taught many popular courses in analytics and risk management.
His is the author of the book From Big Data to Big Profits: Success with Data and Analytics (Oxford University Press, 2015) which examines data monetization strategies and the development of data-centric business models in the new digital economy. He is also the author of the award-winning text Winning with Risk Management (World Scientific Publishing, 2013), which examines the principles and practice of risk management as a competitive advantage.
Dr. Walker consults with firms on the topics of Big Data and Analytics, Data Monetization, Risk Management, and Business Strategy.
Russell Walker can be reached at:
russell@walkerbernardo.com
@RussWalker1776
russellwalkerphd.com
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