Platform Ownership

Volker Nocke, Martin Peitz and Konrad Stahl

Journal of the European Economic Association, 2007, vol. 5, issue 6, 1130-1160

Abstract: We develop a theoretical framework of trade on a platform on which buyers and sellers interact, and compare the impact of different platform ownership structures. If two-sided network effects are strong, monopoly ownership induces more trade than dispersed ownership and is therefore socially preferable. Independent of the strength of network effects, monopoly ownership dominates a club-like ownership structure where incumbent owners can exclude potential entrants. Under dispersed ownership, vertical integration tends to increase welfare as it allows the internalization of demand externalities. Allowing incumbent platform owners to exclude potential entrants hurts buyers but can raise welfare. (JEL: L10, D40) (c) 2007 by the European Economic Association.

Date: 2007
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Working Paper: Platform Ownership (2004)
Working Paper: Platform Ownership (2004)
Working Paper: Platform Ownership (2004)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:tpr:jeurec:v:5:y:2007:i:6:p:1130-1160

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