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Digital platform ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Andreas Hein

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Maximilian Schreieck

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Tobias Riasanow

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • David Soto Setzke

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Manuel Wiesche

    (Technische Universität Dortmund)

  • Markus Böhm

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Helmut Krcmar

    (Technical University of Munich)

Abstract

Digital platforms are an omnipresent phenomenon that challenges incumbents by changing how we consume and provide digital products and services. Whereas traditional firms create value within the boundaries of a company or a supply chain, digital platforms utilize an ecosystem of autonomous agents to co-create value. Scholars from various disciplines, such as economics, technology management, and information systems have taken different perspectives on digital platform ecosystems. In this Fundamentals article, we first synthesize research on digital platforms and digital platform ecosystems to provide a definition that integrates both concepts. Second, we use this definition to explain how different digital platform ecosystems vary according to three core building blocks: (1) platform ownership, (2) value-creating mechanisms, and (3) complementor autonomy. We conclude by giving an outlook on four overarching research areas that connect the building blocks: (1) technical properties and value creation; (2) complementor interaction with the ecosystem; (3) value capture; and (4) the make-or-join decision in digital platform ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Hein & Maximilian Schreieck & Tobias Riasanow & David Soto Setzke & Manuel Wiesche & Markus Böhm & Helmut Krcmar, 2020. "Digital platform ecosystems," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 30(1), pages 87-98, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:30:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-019-00377-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-019-00377-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital platform; Platform ecosystems; Governance; Openness; Ownership;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D4 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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