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2026/2027  KAN-CPOLV1024U  Big Tech Platforms: Technology, Power & Politics

English Title
Big Tech Platforms: Technology, Power & Politics

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 90
Study board
Study Board for Global Business and Politics
Programme MSc in International Business and Politics
Course coordinator
  • Lars Dyrhagen - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
  • Co-coordinator
    Mikkel Flyverbom - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalisation and international business
  • Organisation
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 27-01-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
In recent years, big tech platforms have emerged as some of the most influential institutions worldwide, shaping markets for commerce, democracy, and labor, as well as transforming how people live, work, learn, and play.

Multi-sided market platforms are expected to be a significant role in your future career. Whether you aim to critically analyze their power, study their impact, or support their growth, this course will equip you to:
  • Be familiar with theories regarding the constitution of multisided market platforms and their businesses and power.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about the dynamics between platform user groups and the markets for democracy, products and labor.
  • Analyze cases and situations of rapid technological change and their implications to government and civil society actors.
  • Assess policy interventions on tech platforms locally, nationally and internationally.
Course prerequisites
This course does NOT focus on coding skills; instead, it emphasizes understanding the transformative impact of technology, platforms, and digitization on society and humans. A strong interest in these areas will enhance your success in the course.
Examination
Bic Tech Platforms: Technology, Power & Politics:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration 2 weeks to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn, The ordinary exam will be in Fall (appr. October-November).
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This applies to all students (failed, ill, or otherwise).
Description of the exam procedure

You will receive two weeks to prepare and hand-in the exam. 
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Technology can be a tool and a weapon. This course examines the great promises and the critical implications of big tech platforms when transforming and reshaping the ways people live, work, learn, and play.

 

The classes investigate how companies such as:

 

  • Amazon, Tencent, and MercadoLibre disrupt traditional businesses and alter commerce;

 

  • Facebook, Baidu, Netflix, and X influence the media and culture landscape; and

 

  • Uber, Grab, and Zomato accelerate the gig economy, challenging established work and earning practices.

 

Meanwhile, policymakers in capitals like Brussels, Beijing, and Washington D.C. face significant challenges in developing regulations that keep pace with rapid technological innovations of multisided market platforms.

 

Through both practical and intellectual engagement, this course will deepen your understanding of how tech platforms impact business, daily life, and work. It encourages critical inquiry by posing fundamental questions about why and how these changes occur, without expecting definitive answers.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course includes in-class, online, and offline learning.

We will tackle difficult questions and dilemmas together, so be ready to engage actively in the interactions.
Feedback during the teaching period
We will use spontaneous feedback through mini challenges on tech dilemmas defined by your teacher and maxi challenges on real platform cases defined by students.
Student workload
Lectures and workshops 35 hours
Preparation (studying for lectures and workshops) 91 hours
Exam preparation 80 hours
Expected literature

You will have free online access to nearly the entire course syllabus through the CBS Library website.

 

The syllabus draws on literature of management, political science, economics, sociology and technology that will sharpen your academic and theoretical competence. Real-life cases will challenge you to put your knowledge at play in practice.

 

As the field continuously evolves, the course literature and structure may be updated. A current version of the syllabus may appear as follows:

 

INTRO & THE BASICS: THE MULTISIDES PLATFORMS, VERTICALS & NETWORK EFFECTS

 

 

 

PLATFORM POWER & REGULATION: THE PACING PROBLEM, REGULATION & SELF-REGULATION 

 

 

 

PLATFORM EARN & WORK: PLATFORM EARNERS & THE FUTURE OF WORK 

 

 

 

TECHNOCRACY: DEMOCRACY OF TECHNOLOGY & TECH POLICY PARTICIPATION 

 

 

 
Last updated on 27-01-2026