We extend ecosystem theory to cases in which platforms are complementors to each other: inter-platform ecosystems. Analyzing web traffic data on 241 European platforms, we identify and characterize demand-side inter-platform ecosystems, and propose a theory of why they emerge. We posit that demand-side inter-platform ecosystems solve matching problems generated by externalities platforms impose on each other. We describe four strategies platforms implement to solve these problems: network fusion (hosting competitor content), user-community-driven interactions (facilitating cross-posting), meta-platform (aggregating another platform), and platform concatenation (referring users to another platform for customized complementary services). We link these strategies to the nature of the externalities, the types of platforms involved and their competitive relationship. We conclude with implications for theory and suggestions for further research.
CARBALLA SMICHOWSKI Bruno;
DUCH BROWN Nestor;
MARTENS Bertin;
GOMEZ LOSADA Alvaro;
2026-06-08
WILEY
JRC145747
1097-0266 (online),
https://sms.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smj.70070,
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC145747,
10.1002/smj.70070 (online),
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