Platforms everywhere: GE vs. Haier (Mini case)
This case contrasts GE with Haier. GE was a pioneer of platforms and services from the 1980s onwards. Yet in 2011 when it turned to leverage the digital age through developing a platform called Predix, it did not succeed. In contrast, the case looks at Haier, which grew from a single refrigerator factory to a global white goods and electronics company which has successfully leveraged digital transformation and has used platforms to develop into a strong ecosystem player, actually buying GE’s applicance business.
- This case is part of a mini-case series “Reshaping Industries – Embracing the New Normal Mini Case Series“. Learning objectives focus on business models and how these can threaten or become threatened quickly with the rise in technology.
- In this case, how GE tried and failed to digitally transform through its platform Predix. In contrast, how Haier successfully digitally transformed by leveraging platforms to get closer to customers and respond very fast.
General Electric, Haier
1980 to 2020
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
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