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The evolution of the global digital platform economy: 1971–2021

Author

Listed:
  • Zoltan J. Acs

    (George Mason University)

  • Abraham K. Song

    (Pepperdine University)

  • László Szerb

    (University of Pécs)

  • David B. Audretsch

    (Indiana University)

  • Éva Komlósi

    (University of Pécs)

Abstract

The emergence of digital technologies has significantly reduced the economic costs of data—search, storage, computation, transmission—and enabled new economic activities. Over the years, firms able to create a platform-based ecosystem have become a force of “creative construction.” Economic activities (C2C, B2C, B2B) have been reorganized around platform-based ecosystems for value creation and value appropriation, which are orchestrated by multisided platforms via the “digital hand.” To further understanding of the Digital Platform Economy, this paper provides a conceptual framework consisting of three interrelated concepts: digital technology infrastructure, multisided digital platforms, and platform-based ecosystems (users and entrepreneurs). Using a unique database over five decades, we revisit the hypothesis that new firms were needed to introduce digital technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoltan J. Acs & Abraham K. Song & László Szerb & David B. Audretsch & Éva Komlósi, 2021. "The evolution of the global digital platform economy: 1971–2021," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 57(4), pages 1629-1659, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:57:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-021-00561-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-021-00561-x
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