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A Review of Platform Business Models

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  • Marketa Mlcuchova

    (Department of Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic)

Abstract

The paper focuses on platform business models as ubiquitous features of the digital economy whose economic importance is continuously increasing. Considering their varying definitions and diverse typology, this review of platform business models aims to discuss and evaluate the current heterogeneous literature. In line with fulfilling the aim of the paper, the following research question is addressed: ‘What are the main attributes of platform business models?’ Based on a vast literature review, the paper coins a unified definition and devises a novel typology, distinguishing four main types of platform business models: transaction, innovation, integrated and investment. Furthermore, the importance of both digital data and network effects as the main identified attributes is highlighted. Additionally, the paper devises a novel typology of network effects, amplifying users’ value-creating activities and interconnected relationships. The novel typology of network effects is distinguishing direct, indirect (cross-sided, cross-network or two-sided), data, positive and negative network effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Marketa Mlcuchova, 2022. "A Review of Platform Business Models," MENDELU Working Papers in Business and Economics 2022-80, Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Business and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:men:wpaper:80_2022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital economy; business model; platform business model; digital data; network effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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