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Assistant platforms

Author

Listed:
  • Rainer Schmidt

    (Munich University of Applied Sciences)

  • Rainer Alt

    (Leipzig University)

  • Alfred Zimmermann

    (Reutlingen University)

Abstract

Many assistant systems have evolved toward assistant platforms. These platforms combine a range of resources from various actors via a declarative and generative interface. Among the examples are voice-oriented assistant platforms like Alexa and Siri, as well as text-oriented assistant platforms like ChatGPT and Bard. They have emerged as valuable tools for handling tasks without requiring deeper domain expertise and have received large attention with the present advances in generative artificial intelligence. In view of their growing popularity, this Fundamental outlines the key characteristics and capabilities that define assistant platforms. The former comprise a multi-platform architecture, a declarative interface, and a multi-platform ecosystem, while the latter include capabilities for composition, integration, prediction, and generativity. Based on this framework, a research agenda is proposed along the capabilities and affordances for assistant platforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Rainer Schmidt & Rainer Alt & Alfred Zimmermann, 2023. "Assistant platforms," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 33(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:33:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-023-00671-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-023-00671-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital platforms; Ecosystems; Generative artificial intelligence (GAI); Virtual assistants; Multi-platform;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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