Start Date

12-13-2015

Description

This study explores how multi-sided digital platforms achieve and sustain superior performance positions in turbulent markets. Specifically, the effects of three major strategies are studied: (1) a complementarity-based innovation strategy, (2) a breaching strategy where a platform expands into rival territories by introducing its offerings in rival platforms to gain access to rivals’ consumers without having to switch them over, (3) the joint use of these strategies. Multi-sided platform markets tend to exhibit turbulence; hence, platform strategies need to focus on achieving and sustaining superior performance positions for longer periods. We use agent-based simulation models to show that innovation and breaching strategies contribute to platform performance. Multi-sided platforms that pursue a breaching strategy in addition to engaging in innovations achieve higher performance positions than those that only engage in innovations. Our analyses also generated insights about the importance of a fit between platform decision rules and consumer decision structures.

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Dec 13th, 12:00 AM

Innovation and breaching strategies in multi-sided platform markets: Insights from a simulation study

This study explores how multi-sided digital platforms achieve and sustain superior performance positions in turbulent markets. Specifically, the effects of three major strategies are studied: (1) a complementarity-based innovation strategy, (2) a breaching strategy where a platform expands into rival territories by introducing its offerings in rival platforms to gain access to rivals’ consumers without having to switch them over, (3) the joint use of these strategies. Multi-sided platform markets tend to exhibit turbulence; hence, platform strategies need to focus on achieving and sustaining superior performance positions for longer periods. We use agent-based simulation models to show that innovation and breaching strategies contribute to platform performance. Multi-sided platforms that pursue a breaching strategy in addition to engaging in innovations achieve higher performance positions than those that only engage in innovations. Our analyses also generated insights about the importance of a fit between platform decision rules and consumer decision structures.