An Outlook of Platform Theory Research in Business Studies

Abstract

There is considerable diversity in the interpretation of the term “platform” and in the subjects being analyzed in platform theory research in the field of business studies. This paper classifies the genealogy of platform theory research into the following three streams with the aim of elucidating its genealogy and current situation: (1) platform technology theory/platform components theory (2) platform products theory: layer-type platform theory, (3) platform products theory: interaction-type platform theory. A review of the literature indicates that, in terms of the platform technology theory/platform components theory, the core stream of research is platform strategy in product development originating from automobile product development research. The core stream of research in the layer-type platform theory is platform leadership and ecosystems theory related to platform leadership. There are two broad streams of research in the interaction-type platform theory, that is, research focused on (1) platform businesses and (2) two-sided platform strategies. Additionally, this paper suggests the fusion of layer-type platform theory and interaction-type platform theory in platform products theory and development of social platform theory as two future directions for the development of platform theory.