Breaking Triopoly to Achieve Sustainable Smart Digital Infrastructure Based on Open-Source Diffusion Using Government–Platform–User Evolutionary Game

Tao Li, Junlin Zhu (), Jianqiang Luo (), Chaonan Yi and Baoqing Zhu
Additional contact information
Tao Li: School of Intellectual Property, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210094, China
Junlin Zhu: School of Intellectual Property, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210094, China
Jianqiang Luo: School of Management, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xue Fu Rd., Zhenjiang 212013, China
Chaonan Yi: School of Intellectual Property, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210094, China
Baoqing Zhu: School of Intellectual Property, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, No. 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210094, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: Technological innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, have facilitated the emergence of autonomous systems, promoting triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability. However, the prevalent triopoly of Android, iOS, and Windows introduces substantial obstacles for smart device manufacturers in pursuit of independent innovation. This research endeavors to elucidate how open-source operating systems can counteract this triopoly and catalyze sustainable digital development. Utilizing evolutionary game theory, we scrutinize the interplay among governments, platforms, and users in championing open-source diffusion. Our analysis unveils two potent evolutionary strategies—incentivized engagement and disengagement—that notably expedite open-source diffusion and attenuate software supply chain risks affiliated with the Android–iOS–Windows triopoly (results). Consequently, this research highlights the critical role of augmenting stakeholder collaboration and bolstering platform reputation in propelling open-source diffusion, thereby providing valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable advancement of smart digital infrastructure.

Keywords: open-source diffusion; sustainable smart digital infrastructure; open-source operating system; evolutionary game; open innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/19/14412/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/19/14412/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14412-:d:1252188

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().