Motivation
Digital platforms have emerged as transformative entities in the contemporary economy, serving as vital intermediaries that facilitate interactions among diverse user groups, including consumers, businesses, and service providers. These platforms leverage technology to create value through network effects, enabling users to connect, collaborate, and exchange goods and services efficiently. The rise of digital platforms has reshaped traditional business models, fostering innovation and competition across various sectors, from e-commerce and social media to healthcare and logistics.
At the heart of digital platforms lies the concept of platform ecosystems. A platform ecosystem refers to the interconnected network of stakeholders—including platform owners, third-party developers, and end-users—who collectively contribute to and derive value from the platform. This ecosystem approach emphasizes the collaborative nature of digital platforms, where the success of the platform is contingent upon the active participation and engagement of its complementors. By facilitating the development of complementary products and services, platform ecosystems enhance user experiences and drive sustained growth.
Process Platforms and Research Project DIGITAX
Process platforms are specialized digital platforms designed to streamline and automate workflows, enabling organizations to manage processes efficiently. These platforms enhance transparency, compliance, and decision-making by integrating advanced tools and technologies. In the context of taxation, process platforms play a pivotal role in simplifying regulatory compliance and optimizing resource allocation. Our research project DIGITAX builds on this potential by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to meet tax obligations effectively. While existing Tax Compliance Management Systems (TCMS) are often too complex and resource-intensive for SMEs, DIGITAX develops practical guidelines, best practices, and innovative digital solutions specifically tailored to their needs. This approach not only reduces administrative burdens but also enhances risk management and aligns with legal frameworks, driving the digital transformation of tax compliance.
Electronic Markets - The International Journal on Networked Business
Electronic markets and digital platforms are closely intertwined, as both facilitate interactions and transactions within networked ecosystems. Digital platforms leverage information technology to enable efficient exchanges of goods, services, and information, while electronic markets provide the structured environments in which these interactions occur. The chairs' journal, Electronic Markets (EM), is a leading scholarly publication dedicated to exploring these intersections. Established in 1991, EM was among the first journals to address the study of IT-enabled networked business and digital platforms. It offers a global perspective on topics such as platform ecosystems, business models, value chains, and market mechanisms. The journal is currently ranked B in the area rating information systems of the VHB.
References to consult:
- Hein, A., Schreieck, M., Riasanow, T. et al. Digital platform ecosystems. Electronic Markets 30, 87–98 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-019-00377-4
- Jacobides, M. G., Cennamo, C., & Gawer, A. (2018). Towards a theory of ecosystems. Strategic Management Journal, 39(8), 2255–2276. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.2904
- de Reuver, M., Sørensen, C., & Basole, R. C. (2018). The Digital Platform: A Research Agenda. Journal of Information Technology, 33(2), 124–135. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41265-016-0033-3
- Senyo, P. K., Liu, K., & Effah, J. (2019). Digital Business Ecosystem: Literature Review and a framework for future research. International Journal of Information Management, 47, 52–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.01.002