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
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- S2 E12 - API Risks and Rewards in the Age of AI · November 21, 2025 · 56 min
- S2 E11 - From the origin of APIs to the future of AI · November 13, 2025 · 1h 1m
- S2 E10 - What will the API landscape look like in 2028? - Part 2 · October 16, 2025 · 45 min
- S2 E9 - What will the API landscape look like in 2028 · October 10, 2025 · 36 min
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