S2 E13 - Optionality, Complementarity & Design Rules

S2 E13 - Optionality, Complementarity & Design Rules

From The API Experience Podcast by Boomi

December 22, 2025 · 59 min

About this episode

Dr. Carliss Baldwin discusses the connection between option theory and technology modularization in the context of digital ecosystems and AI.

In this episode, Mike, Stephen, and Matt are joined by Dr. Carliss Baldwin, Professor Emerita at Harvard University, Author of Design Rules Vol. 1 & Design Rules Vol. 2. Dr. Baldwin shares the story of how she originally connected the financial concept of option theory to modularization of technology, where options thinking could be applied in the post-AI world, and why complementarity is an equally important concept when analyzing digital ecosystems.

People in this episode

Hosts: Mike, Stephen, Matt

Guest: Dr. Carliss Baldwin

Topics covered

  • option theory
  • modularization
  • technology
  • digital ecosystems
  • complementarity
  • AI

Keywords

  • option theory
  • modularization
  • technology
  • AI
  • complementarity
  • digital ecosystems
  • Dr. Carliss Baldwin

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard University

Books & works: Design Rules Vol. 1, Design Rules Vol. 2

More episodes of The API Experience Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The API Experience Podcast podcast page.