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Governing the emergence of network-driven platform ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Arthur Kari

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Pepe Bellin

    (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Martin Matzner

    (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Martin Gersch

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

Literature on platform governance is focused on keystone organizations that exclusively own a platform and control its complementors and users. However, emerging network-driven platform ecosystems—such as European data spaces—represent a shift in focus by allowing stakeholders to share platform ownership and decision rights. To investigate this emerging phenomenon, we conduct a qualitative-explorative case study, interviewing 32 representatives of Catena-X, a European data space in the automotive industry. To conceptually grasp the co-development and management of network-driven platform ecosystems, we employ a network governance perspective as the theoretical lens. We contribute to platform governance literature with (1) a conceptualization of shared platform ownership recognizing the dichotomy of inner and outer governance, and (2) a process model and a conceptual model of an interorganizational network governing the emergence of a platform ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur Kari & Pepe Bellin & Martin Matzner & Martin Gersch, 2025. "Governing the emergence of network-driven platform ecosystems," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 35(1), pages 1-27, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:35:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-024-00745-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-024-00745-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data spaces; Platform governance; Interorganizational network; Data ecosystem; Shared ownership; Network governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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