Landlords with no lands: a systematic literature review on hybrid multi-sided platforms and platform thinking

Daniel Trabucchi and Tommaso Buganza

European Journal of Innovation Management, 2021, vol. 25, issue 6, 64-96

Abstract: Purpose - This article is based on a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature on two-sided platforms, the business structure based on the concept of matchmaking groups of customers (e.g. Uber or Airbnb). The research aims to identify gaps in the existing literature while providing a structured summary of the existing knowledge in the field. Finally, we propose a conceptual framework enabling platform thinking, the ability to see hybrid multi-sided platforms as a useful resource-orchestration structure to unveil innovation opportunities. Design/methodology/approach - This study adopts a bibliometric approach, combing co-citation and text mining analyses of 196 papers, also implementing a longitudinal analysis that highlights the evolution of the field since its inception till today. Findings - The novel aspect of the paper consists in taking a purely managerial stance of a very peculiar kind of platform, merging existing knowledge in comprehensive frameworks while providing potential avenues for research. Research limitations/implications - From an academic perspective, this research highlights the double nature of two-sided platforms: as an operational choice or as a way to exploit (digital) assets and reach the economic sustainability. A research agenda is proposed, based on three pillars: a side-based standpoint, a business model perspective and an evolutionary stance to see how these businesses may evolve. Practical implications - The research identifies different literature streams that may help practitioners in identifying how two-sided platforms may help them in fostering innovation. Originality/value - The identification of two-sided platforms as a different way to create value (transaction platforms) or to capture value (non-transaction platform), enhancing the debate on this innovative business model. A research agenda to bring the field forward is proposed.

Keywords: Systematic literature review; Business model innovation; Multi-sided platforms; Digital platforms; Two-sided platforms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ejimpp:ejim-11-2020-0467

DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-11-2020-0467

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