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Cited by 37Digital Platforms and EconomicsInnovation and Knowledge ManagementDigital Economy and Work Transformation

Digital platform ecosystems in flux: From proprietary digital platforms to wide-spanning ecosystems

Open access
Nerbel, Jan Frederic, Kreutzer, Markus·2023·Electronic Markets
DOI 10.1007/s12525-023-00625-8
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Abstract

Digital Platform Ecosystems (DPEs) represent a distinct form of interorganizational relationship cultivated on digital infrastructures. Although DPEs are researched extensively among management scholars, shortcomings in formalizing their emergence remain. Particularly re-occurring patterns and temporal dimensions of emergence continue to be relatively unexplored. We review existing literature in an integrative manner and shed light on DPE emergence by deriving a framework comprising four distinct stages. We thereby sharpen the understanding of DPEs and bring convergence to an increasingly fragmented field of research by accounting for industrial innovation management, organizational, market-based, and ecosystem-based views. As a result, we present a classification of DPE emergence stages and related key activities contributing to the progression from a nascent digital platform into a wide-spanning DPE. Finally, we propose multiple avenues for future research.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This integrative review synthesizes research on Digital Platform Ecosystems (DPEs) and proposes a four-stage framework of DPE emergence from a nascent digital platform to a wide-spanning ecosystem. It argues that focal platform firms must execute stage-specific key activities across platform formation, boundary resource creation, complementor integration, and ecosystem orchestration.

Key findings

  • The paper derives four distinct DPE emergence stages: digital platform formation, boundary resource creation, complementor integration, and ecosystem orchestration.
  • It integrates four research perspectives—industrial innovation management, organizational, market-based, and ecosystem—and identifies six pivotal aspects: platform architecture, capabilities, competition, generativity, governance, and value-creation.
  • The review sample contains 148 articles, reduced from 1,303 initial Web of Science hits and then 168 screened articles, with 142 retained before adding six cross-checked articles.
  • Table 1 reports the sample distribution: industrial innovation management 9 conceptual (6.1%) and 10 empirical (6.8%); organizational 8 conceptual (5.4%) and 14 empirical (9.4%); market-based 40 conceptual (27.0%) and 21 empirical (14.2%); ecosystem 10 conceptual (6.8%) and 36 empirical (24.3%).

Methods

  • Integrative review approach aimed at synthesizing existing research and deriving a framework of DPE emergence as a theoretical contribution.
  • Full-text search in Web of Science without historical time constraints, limited to management science, information science, and economics journals ranked 4 or 4* in the 2021 AJG, using the terms “platform” or “ecosystem”; search yielded 1,303 articles until mid-July 2022.
  • Two-step screening reduced the sample to 168, then 142 articles; reference-list cross-checking added six articles from Communications of the ACM and Electronic Markets, yielding a final sample of 148 articles coded into four research streams.

Limitations

  • The authors state that the article is limited to proprietary platforms where the focal platform firm makes fundamental architectural and governance decisions prior to engaging complementors; shared platforms owned by a consortium or peer-to-peer community may show different key activities or emergence patterns.
  • The authors state that DPE decline, obsolescence, strategic renewal, and detailed consequences of technological change are beyond the scope of the article.
  • The text makes evident that the framework is derived from an integrative literature review and six empirical in-depth case studies, not from new primary empirical testing; the authors also note a recurring lack of in-depth longitudinal empirical evidence to confirm theoretical assumptions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s12525-023-00625-8

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 128 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingcitation

    Complementors have often been treated as black boxes, with only a few studies investigating their internal dynamics.

    “Complementors have often been treated as black boxes, with only a few studies investigating the internal dynamics of complementors (Tiwana, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tiwana, 2018 source

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  • Findingcitation

    There is a re-occurring pattern of lacking in-depth longitudinal empirical evidence to confirm theoretical assumptions.

    “Overall, there is a re-occurring pattern of lacking in-depth longitudinal empirical evidence to confirm theoretical assumptions (Jha et al., 2016;Saadatmand et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Jha et al., 2016 source

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    • cites Saadatmand et al., 2019 source

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  • Premisecitation

    Significant research gaps persist in explaining the emergence of a nascent digital platform and its progression into a wide-spanning DPE.

    “Significant research gaps persist foremost in explaining the emergence of a nascent digital platform and its progression into a wide-spanning DPE.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites de Reuver et al., 2018 source

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    • cites Hein et al., 2020 source

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    • cites McIntyre & Srinivasan, 2017 source

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  • Premisecitation

    Re-occurring patterns and temporal dimensions of DPE emergence are relatively unexplored.

    “Particularly re-occurring patterns and temporal dimensions of emergence continue to be relatively unexplored.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites de Reuver et al., 2018 source

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    • cites Hein et al., 2020 source

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    • cites McIntyre & Srinivasan, 2017 source

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  • Premisecitation

    There is empirical evidence that internal or supply-chain platforms digitize and eventually become DPEs.

    “There is, however, empirical evidence that internal or supply-chain platforms digitize and eventually become DPEs (Sandberg et al., 2020;Stonig et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Sandberg et al., 2020 source

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    • cites Stonig et al., 2022 source

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 48
  • May combine two claims. 39
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Empirical evidence on the impact of piracy on DPEs is limited due to considerable discretion in terms of the focal platform firms' government actions.

    “Empirical evidence on the impact of piracy on DPEs is, however, limited due to considerable discretion in terms of the focal platform firms' government actions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Scholars often treat complementors as black boxes, and the complementors' underlying dynamics remain relatively unexplored.

    “Scholars often treat complementors as black boxes, and the complementors' underlying dynamics remain relatively unexplored.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Research on network effects and the chicken and egg problem has primarily focused on the video game industry.

    “Research on network effects and the chicken and egg problem has primarily focused on the video game industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    DPEs consist of a focal digital platform, boundary resources, and third-party complementarities.

    “DPEs consist of a focal digital platform, boundary resources, and thirdparty complementarities.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 148-article sample is sufficient to derive a general framework of DPE emergence.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    An explanation for the scarcity of empirical studies is that such investigations are closely linked to the focal platform firms' underlying corporate strategy.

    “An explanation is that such investigations are closely linked to the focal platform firms' underlying corporate strategy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    DPEs represent a domain of innovation, which is orchestrated based on the platforms' modular architecture.

    “DPEs represent a domain of innovation (Ceccagnoli et al., 2012), which is orchestrated based on the platforms' modular architecture (Kapoor, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Ceccagnoli et al., 2012 source

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    • cites Kapoor, 2018 source

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    Interpretationnone given

    Emergence is concluded by the orchestration of a DPE incorporating multiple complementarities.

    “Emergence is concluded by the orchestration of a DPE incorporating multiple complementarities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 148-article sample is sufficient to derive a general framework of DPE emergence.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    Six pivotal aspects were identified from the articles through an iterative author-team process.

    “This was an iterative process in which the author team discussed the key re-occurring aspects and agreed on the best consolidated terms (i.e., aggregating rivalry and competition into one), in the end six pivotal aspects.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationown data

    All four research perspectives contribute pivotal aspects to our understanding of what DPEs are.

    “All four research perspectives contribute pivotal aspects to our understanding of what DPEs are.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 148-article sample is sufficient to derive a general framework of DPE emergence.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The 148 articles were coded and sorted into four research streams adapted from Thomas et al. (2014).

    “We then coded and sorted these 148 articles into four research streams adapted from previous research in this area (Thomas et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Thomas et al., 2014 source

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    Premisenone given

    In the second stage, the platform firm creates boundary resources, i.e., APIs and SDKs, which require formative input and determine the guidelines for future complementor interaction.

    “In the second stage, the platform firm creates boundary resources, i.e., APIs and SDKs, which require formative input and 6 Page 8 of 20 determine the guidelines for future complementor interaction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisenone given

    In the first stage of DPE emergence, the future platform owner locates a business opportunity for a platform-based product or service and forms a digital platform.

    “In the first stage of DPE emergence, the future platform owner locates a business opportunity for a platform-based product or service and forms a digital platform.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Disclosing details in this area may lead to competitive disadvantages.

    “Disclosing details in this area may lead to competitive disadvantages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    With boundary resources in place, the digital platform may expand and integrate complementors that contribute to its offering and form the surrounding ecosystem.

    “With the boundary resources in place, the digital platform may expand and integrate complementors that contribute to its offering and form the surrounding ecosystem.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    In ecosystems, capabilities do not necessarily reside solely within one organization, but within many ecosystem actors enforcing each other.

    “In ecosystems capabilities do not necessarily reside solely within one organization, but within many ecosystem actors enforcing each other.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The focal platform actor requires specific capabilities to form and orchestrate the surrounding ecosystem, enforces governance principles and fosters generativity, allowing complementors to undertake discrete actions to contribute to the platform's value proposition.

    “Here the focal platform actor requires specific capabilities to form and orchestrate the surrounding ecosystem (Helfat & Raubitschek, 2018), enforces governance principles and fosters generativity, allowing the complementors to undertake discrete actions to contribute to the platforms' value proposition (Adner, 2017;Jacobides et al., 2018;Teece, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Helfat & Raubitschek, 2018 source

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    • cites Adner, 2017 source

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    • cites Jacobides et al., 2018 source

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    Premisecitation

    Multisided platforms facilitate transactions of more than two groups of users.

    “Multisided platforms facilitate transactions of more than two groups of users (Evans, 2003).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Evans, 2003 source

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    Study design and conductown data

    The literature search yielded 1,303 articles published until mid of July 2022.

    “This search yielded 1,303 articles published until mid of July 2022.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    The digital platform represents a technology-based business system, on which a focal platform actor enforces control via a digital architecture represented by an extensible codebase that can incorporate third-party modules complementing to its core offering.

    “The digital platform represents a technology-based business system, on which a focal platform actor enforces control via a digital architecture represented by an extensible codebase that can incorporate third-party modules complementing to its core offering (Boudreau, 2012;Tiwana, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Boudreau, 2012 source

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    • cites Tiwana, 2018 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Opening a digital platform to third-party complementarities requires the subsequent creation of boundary resources.

    “Opening the digital platform to third party complementarities requires the subsequent creation of boundary resources.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The final sample consists of 148 articles.

    “Adding these six articles, we concluded with a final sample of 148 articles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The digital platform channels a one-sided, two-sided, or multi-sided market to enable matchmaking based on either direct or indirect network effects.

    “The digital platform channels a one-sided, two-sided, or multi-sided market to enable matchmaking based on either direct or indirect network effects (Eisenmann et al., 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Eisenmann et al., 2006

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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductown data

    The screening process yielded a sample of 142 articles that describe the emergence, change, or transition within platforms or ecosystems.

    “This yielded a sample of 142 articles that describe the emergence, change, or transition within platforms or ecosystems.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The platform acts as an intermediary or facilitator orchestrating transactions between the two groups.

    “The platform acts as an intermediary or facilitator orchestrating transactions between the two groups (Armstrong, 2006;Boudreau & Hagiu, 2009;Eisenmann et al., 2006;Rochet & Tirole, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Armstrong, 2006 source

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    • cites Boudreau & Hagiu, 2009

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    • cites Eisenmann et al., 2006

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning

    In the following decades, empirical studies investigating the emergence of digital platforms and their surrounding ecosystems remained scarce.

    “In the following decades, empirical studies catching up on these thoughts to investigate the emergence of digital platforms and their surrounding ecosystems remained however scarce.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    DPE emergence comprises four distinct stages: digital platform formation, boundary resource creation, complementor integration, and ecosystem orchestration.

    “In Table 2, we integrate the notions presented in the literature and derive four distinct stages of DPE emergence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The few longitudinal empirical studies and literature streams reviewed are representative enough to generalize to DPE emergence generally.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    A competitive advantage in platform markets can be achieved by establishing a strong identity and distinctiveness, making the platform unique.

    “A competitive advantage in platform markets can be achieved by establishing a strong identity and distinctiveness, making the platform unique.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Sensing capabilities enable firms to identify new or untapped technologies and indicate market potentials.

    “Sensing capabilities enable firms to identify new or untapped technologies and indicate market potentials.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Progress may be hindered if the focal platform firm cannot execute key activities in each stage in a satisfactory manner.

    “Likewise, progress may be hindered, if the focal platform firm cannot execute key activities in each stage in a satisfactory manner.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Open standards foster higher levels of complementor participation, potentially leading to a greater variety of complements.

    “Open standards foster higher levels of complementor participation, potentially leading to a greater variety of complements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McIntyre & Srinivasan, 2017 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Platform governance is a composition of the three dimensions decision rights, control mechanisms, and pricing policies.

    “Tiwana (2014) describes platform governance as a composition of the three dimensions decision rights, control mechanisms, and pricing policies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tiwana (2014) source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    After emergence is concluded, the DPE is orchestrated and maneuvered through phases of technological change, sustaining its competitive position against other ecosystems or powerful complementors within its own ecosystem.

    “After emergence is concluded, the DPE is orchestrated and maneuvered through phases of technological change (Ozalp et al., 2018), sustaining its competitive position against other ecosystems or powerful complementors within its own ecosystem (Zhu & Liu, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
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    • cites Zhu & Liu, 2018 source

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    Premisenone given

    In the digital platform formation stage, various groups of users engage in interactions facilitated by the platform.

    “Various groups of users then engage in interactions facilitated by the platform.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    In the fourth stage, the focal platform firm starts to orchestrate the entire ecosystem, fostering value co-creation with complementors and enforcing governance principles.

    “Subsequently, in the fourth stage, the focal platform firm starts to orchestrate the entire ecosystem, fostering value co-creation with complementors and enforcing governance principles.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The degree of openness determines how easy it is for new users to join the platform or to decide if potential new sides should be added, and how the sides interact with each other.

    “Furthermore, the degree of openness determines not only how easy it is for either new users to join the platform or to decide if potential new sides should be added to the platform, but also how the sides interact with each other (Hagiu, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hagiu, 2014

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Platform governance consists of ground rules that regulate interactions either within one side or between multiple sides of a digital platform, balancing different interests.

    “Platform governance consists of ground rules that regulate interactions either within one side or between multiple sides of a digital platform (Cusumano & Gawer, 2002), balancing different interests (Darking et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Cusumano & Gawer, 2002

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    • cites Darking et al., 2008 source

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    Premisecitation

    Decisions on architecture must be made in a short time, and mistakes can turn out to be dramatic.

    “Decisions on architecture must therefore be made in a short time, and mistakes can turn out to be dramatic (Karhu et al., 2018;Nambisan et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Karhu et al., 2018 source

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    • cites Nambisan et al., 2019 source

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    Premisenone given

    In the third stage, the focal platform firm must ensure that complementors are enabled to contribute to the platform's offering.

    “In this stage, the focal platform firm must ensure that complementors are enabled to.contribute to the platforms' offering.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In other situations, the focal platform firm may miss the opportunity to renew, thereby weakening not only its own strategic position but also the strategic position of the entire DPE.

    “In other situations, the focal platform firm may miss the opportunity to renew, thereby weakening not only its own strategic position but also the strategic position of the entire DPE (Boudreau & Hagiu, 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Boudreau & Hagiu, 2009

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the digital platform formation stage, the focal platform is created by either a single organization or a consortium of multiple organizations based either on a monolithic or modular platform architecture.

    “In this stage, the focal platform is created by either a single organization or a consortium of multiple organizations based either on a monolithic or modular platform architecture (Gawer, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gawer, 2014

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The digital platform formation stage is the first stage of DPE emergence.

    “The digital platform formation stage is the first stage of DPE emergence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    Platform competition concludes either in increasing the market size or in creating entirely new markets.

    “This concludes either in increasing the market size or even in creating entirely new markets.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A modular platform architecture separates platform from complement development and enables complements being combined without restrictions or negative impacts on stability, functionality, or performance.

    “A modular platform architecture separates platform from complement development and enables complements being combined without restrictions or negative impacts on stability, functionality, or performance (Hein et al., 2020;Saadatmand et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Hein et al., 2020 source

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    • cites Saadatmand et al., 2019 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    As a result of modular platform architecture, design dependencies in the development process are reduced and changes or updates of complements do not affect the others.

    “As a result, design dependencies in the development process are reduced and changes or updates of complements do not affect the others.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    In the fourth stage, the firm must harmonize the offering of numerous complementors and assure their quality.

    “In this stage, the firm must harmonize the offering of numerous complementors and assure their quality.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Digital platforms usually incorporate new technologies, leading to a competitive advantage.

    “Digital platforms usually incorporate new technologies, leading to a competitive advantage (Belleflamme & Peitz, 2019;Belleflamme & Toulemonde, 2009;Cennamo & Santaló, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Belleflamme & Peitz, 2019 source

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    • cites Belleflamme & Toulemonde, 2009 source

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    • cites Cennamo & Santaló, 2013 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Depending on the update, the firm can either update only the boundary resources or the technological foundation of the whole platform.

    “Depending on the update, the firm can either update only the boundary resources or the technological foundation of the whole platform.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    Integrative capabilities in a DPE context expand the scope from solely examining the focal platform firm to the entire ecosystem.

    “Integrative capabilities in a DPE context expand the scope from solely examining the focal platform firm to the entire ecosystem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    During digital platform formation, the focal platform firm focuses on establishing a platform-based product or service, creating fundamental technologies, and attracting users on various sides of the platform.

    “During digital platform formation, the focal platform firm focuses on establishing a platform-based product or service, creating fundamental technologies, and attracting users on various sides of the platform (Caillaud & Jullien, 2003;Hagiu, 2006).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Caillaud & Jullien, 2003 source

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    • cites Hagiu, 2006 source

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ecosystem governance regulates interactions both between complementors and between complementors and the focal platform firm.

    “While platform governance focuses on the interactions within a single user group or between different user groups, ecosystem governance regulates interactions both between complementors and between complementors and the focal platform firm.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Multihoming of complementors depends on competition, while multihoming of end users is highly related to the DPE offerings.

    “While multihoming of end users is highly related to the DPE offerings, multihoming of complementors depends on competition.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    In the third stage, platform firms are concerned with attracting the first complementors to form the surrounding ecosystem.

    “In the third stage, platform firms are concerned with attracting the first complementors to form the surrounding ecosystem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ecosystem governance contains ownership, decision rights, control mechanisms, service levels, pricing structures, and penalties for misbehavior.

    “This contains ownership, decision rights, control mechanisms, service levels, pricing structures, and penalties for misbehavior (Tiwana, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tiwana, 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    As a consequence of adding new sides, the platform increases overall transactions and, in many cases, platform value.

    “As a consequence, the platform adds new sides to its offering increasing the overall transactions and, in many cases, the platform value.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Temporary gatherings foster social learning knowledge exchange as well as coordination around an emerging technology.

    “Fang et al. (2021) provide empirical evidence that temporary gatherings foster social 6 Page 12 of 20 learning knowledge exchange as well as coordination around an emerging technology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fang et al. (2021) source

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    Premisecitation

    New offerings from complementor integration may attract completely new groups of users to the platform, which then interact with other sides on the platform.

    “These new offerings may even attract completely new groups of users to the platform, which then interact with other sides on the platform (Boudreau, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Boudreau, 2012 source

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  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Proprietary standards give the focal platform firm more control and may act as entry barriers for future complementors and competitors.

    “Proprietary standards, however, give the focal platform firm more control and may act as entry barriers for future complementors and competitors (McIntyre & Srinivasan, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McIntyre & Srinivasan, 2017 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Knowledge management within DPEs is of particular relevance to achieve innovation leverage and create economies of scope from component reuse.

    “Knowledge management within DPEs is of particular relevance to achieve innovation leverage and create economies of scope from component reuse (Gawer, 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Gawer, 2014

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  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    With boundary resources in place, the focal platform firm integrates complementors and enforces governance mechanisms.

    “With boundary resources in place, the focal platform firm integrates complementors and enforces governance mechanisms (Wareham et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Wareham et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    For creating complex products and services, complementors may engage with other firms.

    “However, for creating complex products and services, complementors may engage with other firms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    While researchers have made progress in investigating platforms as digital infrastructures, the concept of ecosystems is still relatively new.

    “While researchers have made a lot of progress in investigating platforms as digital infrastructures (Gawer, 2014), the concept of ecosystems is still relatively new (Kapoor, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Gawer, 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Kapoor, 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Examples of alternative stages include digital platforms with a monolithic platform architecture, DPEs orchestrated by government bodies, or geographical resistance against a DPE.

    “Examples are digital platforms that incorporate a monolithic platform architecture composing all elements together and limiting external impact (Tiwana, 2014), DPEs orchestrated by government bodies (Addo, 2022) or geographical resistance against a DPE (Carrasco-Farré et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Tiwana, 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Addo, 2022

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Carrasco-Farré et al., 2022 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Ultimately, the DPE may enter a stage of strategic or technological renewal or even end in decline or obsolescence.

    “In addition, ultimately, the DPE may enter a stage of strategic or technological renewal or even end in decline or obsolescence(Ozalp et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ozalp et al., 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    There may be instances where deliberate management decisions have impacted emergence and resulted in alternative stages.

    “In addition, there may be instances where deliberate management decisions have impacted emergence and resulted in alternative stages.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    These stages are expected to be induced from significant technological change or through a loss in profitability or growth opportunities.

    “These stages are expected to be induced from significant technological change (Cennamo, 2018;Ozalp et al., 2018) or through a loss in profitability or growth opportunities (Zhu & Liu, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Cennamo, 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Ozalp et al., 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Zhu & Liu, 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Certain platform business models may hinder the DPE to reach the final orchestration stage.

    “We acknowledge that certain platform business models may hinder the DPE to reach the final orchestration stage(Boudreau, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Boudreau, 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Complementors not only contribute to the focal platform firms' value proposition, but also actively shape the entire DPE through their actions.

    “Furthermore, it becomes evident that complementors not only contribute to the focal platform firms' value proposition, but also actively shape the entire DPE through their actions (Hein et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hein et al., 2020 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    With certain strategic actions, dominant complementors may affect the distribution of power in the entire ecosystem, causing leverage over other complementors or even the focal platform firm.

    “With certain strategic actions, dominant complementors may affect the distribution of power in the entire ecosystem, causing leverage over other complementors or even the focal platform firm (Ozalp et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ozalp et al., 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A major actor may purchase rival digital platforms or drive them out of the market.

    “A major actor may purchase rival digital platforms or drive them out of the market.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Platform-markets are prone to consolidation and winner-take-all dynamics.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    It may be the case that the focal platform firm does not manage to attract enough users on the platform to overcome the chicken and egg problem, and in such a case the digital platform would remain in the first stage, before declining or ending in obsolescence.

    “For instance, it may be the case that the focal platform firm does not manage to attract enough users on the platform to overcome the chicken and egg problem.In such a case the digital platform would remain in the first stage, before declining or ending in obsolescence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    At a certain point in time, DPEs may enter a stage of strategic renewal, decline, or even obsolescence.

    “At a certain point in time, DPEs may, however, enter a stage of strategic renewal,decline, or even obsolescence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Certain key activities must be performed in each stage to enable the transition from a nascent digital platform to a wide-spanning DPE.

    “Third, certain key activities must be performed in each stage to enable the transition from a nascent digital platform to a wide-spanning DPE.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There are manifold examples of consolidation in the food delivery or ride hailing industry.

    “There are manifold examples in the food delivery or ride hailing industry (Garud et al., 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Garud et al., 2022 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: Platform-markets are prone to consolidation and winner-take-all dynamics.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Emergence is concluded by the focal platform firm orchestrating the DPE.

    “Emergence is concluded by the focal platform firm orchestrating the DPE.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In cases of consolidation, valuable complementors are often transferred to the dominant platform, while other platforms end in obsolescence.

    “In these cases, valuable complementors are often transferred to the dominant platform, while other platforms end in obsolescence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Platform-markets are prone to consolidation and winner-take-all dynamics.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Shared platforms are owned by a consortium or a peer-to-peer community and may show different key activities in each stage or even an entirely different emergence pattern.

    “Shared platforms are, however, owned by a consortium or a peer-topeer community (Hein et al., 2020) and may show different key activities in each stage or even an entirely different emergence pattern.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hein et al., 2020 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    It may also be the case that the focal platform firm does not manage to make complementor participation viable, and therefore does not reach the fourth stage.

    “It may also be the case that the focal platform firm does not manage to make complementor participation viable, and therefore does not reach the fourth stage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
77 of 77

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Opening platforms for the integration of third-party complementarities increases their overall value.

    “When platforms are opened for the integration of third-party complementarities, their overall value may increase even further.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 148-article sample is sufficient to derive a general framework of DPE emergence.

    “Adding these six articles, we concluded with a final sample of 148 articles.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The few longitudinal empirical studies and literature streams reviewed are representative enough to generalize to DPE emergence generally.

    “These studies indicate the presence of a nascent stage in which a platform actor forms a digital platform.”
    “Beyond these few longitudinal empirical studies investigating the emergence process, researchers have made a lot of progress in identifying various factors contributing to digital platform growth and progression.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Platform-markets are prone to consolidation and winner-take-all dynamics.

    “Platform-markets are also prone to consolidation and winner-take-all dynamics.”
4 of 4

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References 208 · Cited by 37

Research works printed but not linked: 8

  1. Bakos, Y., & Halaburda, H. (2020). Platform competition with multihoming on both sides: Subsidize or not? Management Science, 66(12), 5599–5607. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1756-2171.2006.tb00037.x · DOI · Paper page
  2. Boudreau, K. J., & Lakhani, K. (2009). How to manage outside innovation. MIT Sloan Management Review, 50(4), 69–76.
  3. Cusumano, M. A., & Gawer, A. (2002). The elements of platform leadership. MIT Sloan Management Review, 43(3), 51–58.
  4. Eisenmann, T., Parker, G., & van Alstyne, M. W. (2006). Strategies for two-sided markets. Harvard Business Review, 84(10), 92–101.
  5. Evans, D. S., & Schmalensee, R. (2016). Matchmakers: The new economics of multisided platforms. Harvard Business Review Press.
  6. Gawer, A., & Cusumano, M. A. (2008). Platform leaders. MIT Sloan Management Review, 49(2), 68–75.
  7. Hagiu, A. (2014). Strategic decisions for multisided platforms. MIT Sloan Management Review, 55(2), 71–80.
  8. Hagiu, A., & Yoffie, D. B. (2009). What’s your Google strategy? Harvard Business Review, 87(4), 74–81.

Authors
Nerbel, J. F., & Kreutzer, M.
Affiliations
EBS University of Business and Law (DE)
Corresponding author
Nerbel, Jan Frederic
ORCID
Kreutzer, Markus
Venue
Electronic Markets
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2023-04-20
Volume
33
Issue
1
ISSN
  • 1019-6781 (ISSN-L)
  • 1422-8890
DOI
10.1007/s12525-023-00625-8
OpenAlex
W4366583915
Semantic Scholar
95bc7bef22db340eab1f4dbbc26e7f607b3bbbf5
Cited by
37
References
208
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 4
FWCI
7.98
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Electronic Markets (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Econstor (Econstor) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
Funders
EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht gGmbH
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Digital Platforms and Economics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Innovation and Knowledge Management
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Economy and Work Transformation
Keywords
digital platform ecosystems, digital platforms, interorganizational relationships, digital infrastructure, market-based view

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