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The global geography of digital platforms: towards platforms international locational determinants

Author

Listed:
  • Victo José da Silva Neto

    (Radboud University)

  • Tulio Chiarini

    (IPEA)

  • Leonardo Costa Ribeiro

    (Cedeplar/UFMG)

  • Igor Santos Tupy

    (UFV)

Abstract

Digital platforms have positioned themselves at the center of global flows of capital, knowledge, and work. Their ability to influence and organize these flows makes it imperative to understand the locational decisions of platform companies. This paper explores new evidence on the digital platform economy geography. Our objective is threefold. First, we propose a novel methodology using data science and artificial intelligence tools to identify platform companies. Second, with a set of over three thousand companies, we introduce worldwide maps where it is possible to see the countries and cities that host platform companies. Third, we present platform companies’ locational choice using econometric models.While we observe a geographic concentration of platform companies in the U.S. and China, we also see that digital platform companies are spreading to all geographical directions, including tax havens, reinforcing the hypothesis that "platforming" is a worldwide phenomenon.

Suggested Citation

  • Victo José da Silva Neto & Tulio Chiarini & Leonardo Costa Ribeiro & Igor Santos Tupy, 2022. "The global geography of digital platforms: towards platforms international locational determinants," Textos para Discussão Cedeplar-UFMG 650, Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdp:texdis:td650
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    File URL: https://www.cedeplar.ufmg.br/pesquisas/td/TD%20650.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F01 - International Economics - - General - - - Global Outlook
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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