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Hyperspecialization and Hyperscaling: A Resource-based Theory of the Digital Firm

Author

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  • Kretschmer, Tobias
  • Giustiziero, Gianluigi
  • Somaya, Deepak
  • Wu, Brian

Abstract

Digital firms tend to be both narrow in their vertical scope and large in their scale. We explain this phenomenon through a theory about how attributes of firms’ resource bundles impact their scale and specialization. We posit that highly scalable resource bundles entail significant opportunity costs of integration (versus outsourcing), which simultaneously drive “hyperspecialization†and “hyperscaling†in digital firms. Using descriptive theory and a formal model, we develop several propositions that align with observed features of digital businesses. We offer a parsimonious modeling framework for resource-based theorizing about highly scalable digital firms, shed light on the phenomenon of digital scaling, and provide insights into the far-reaching ways that technology-enabled resources are reshaping firms in the digital economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Kretschmer, Tobias & Giustiziero, Gianluigi & Somaya, Deepak & Wu, Brian, 2021. "Hyperspecialization and Hyperscaling: A Resource-based Theory of the Digital Firm," CEPR Discussion Papers 16493, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16493
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    JEL classification:

    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure

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