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Dr Nick Srnicek, Programme Director for the Digital Economies MA

Dr Nick Srnicek

Programme Director, Digital Economies MSc

Nick is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy within the Department of Digital Humanities at King’s College London. A seasoned academic, he is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, with experience of teaching previously at four of London’s other universities.

Nick’s research focuses on the digital economy, monopolisation, artificial intelligence, and anti-work politics.

His first solo book, Platform Capitalism (Polity, 2016), sets out a framework for understanding the novelties of businesses like Google, Amazon, and Alibaba. It also explores how digital platforms generate new tendencies within our economies and tend to create immense concentrations of power. His most recent book, After Work: A History of the Home and the Fight for Free Time (Verso, 2023 with Helen Hester), seeks to expand anti-work politics into the field of social reproduction. It examines how the often-unwaged work of cleaning, cooking, and caring can be recognised, redistributed, and reduced. Andhe is set to publish a new book The Political Economy of Artificial Intelligence (Polity, 2025) that examines the emerging landscape of power and profit within the artificial intelligence industry.

Research interests


Platforms and the digital economy

Looking at how platforms became the dominant new business model and what their impact has been on the global economy, with a particular emphasis on the rise of digital monopolies.


Political economy of work

Critically examining the role of work under capitalism, and how it is being transformed by digital platforms and emerging automation possibilities.


Economics of artificial intelligence

Following how the AI industry is taking shape, what drives consolidation and emerging market leaders, and what future prospects there are for the industry.


Anti-work politics

Building a political critique of work and developing pathways to a world with much greater free time for all.

Career highlights and qualifications

  • Nick obtained his BA in Psychology and Philosophy and MA in Political Science at the University of Western Ontario in 2007. 
  • He proceeded to a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), completing his thesis in 2013 on ‘Representing complexity: the material construction of world politics’. 
  • His many books include: After Work: A History of the Home and the Fight for Free Time (Verso, 2023 with Helen Hester), Platform Capitalism (Polity, 2016), Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work (Verso, 2015 with Alex Williams). 
  • Prior to joining King’s in 2017, Nick previously taught at University of Westminster, University of West London, UCL, and City, University of London. 

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