Managing the supply side of platforms: How does complementor management work for data-driven B2B platforms?
- In the so-called ecosystem economy, new platform-based business models evolve rap-idly based on the prospects of digital technology. In the B2B context especially, data-driven platforms are highly relevant. Thus far, little research has been conducted on service providers, the so-called complementors of data-driven platforms. Therefore, this paper represents just a starting point for gaining deeper insights into the different facets of complementor management. For empirical evidence, we draw on semi-structured expert interviews with platform managers. The findings outline the distinct characteristics of open and closed platforms which need to be taken into account for complementor management. Moreover, the paper reveals a number of differences in managing suppliers compared to managing complementors. In addition, our study shows that the key factors influencing complementor management include platform openness, partnership intensity, strategic fit, and market structure respectively poten-tial.
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