A mixed-method landscape analysis of SME-focused B2B platforms in Germany

Conference item

Digital platforms offer vast potential for increased value creation and innovation, especially through cross-organizational data sharing. It appears that SMEs in Germany are currently hesitant or unable to create their own platforms. To get a holistic overview of the structure of the German SME-focused platform landscape (that is platforms that are led by or targeting SMEs), we applied a mixed method approach of traditional desk research and a quantitative analysis. The study identified large geographical disparity along the borders of the new and old German federal states, and overall fewer platform ventures by SMEs, rather than large companies and startups. Platform ventures for SMEs are more likely set up as partnerships. We indicate that high capital intensity might be a reason for that.

Authors: Krell, T; Braesemann, F; Stephany, F; Friederici, N; Meier, P

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Lappeenranta University of Technology
• Publication date: 2020-05-30
• Acceptance date: 2020-02-22
• Event title: XXXI ISPIM Innovation Conference - Innovating in Times of Crisis
• Event location: Virtual event
• Event website: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xmushtv9ky3o32u1qkii4/2020_ISPIM_Virtual_Programme.pdf?rlkey=naooizr4yygeyaxybc7ghik5e&e=1
• Event start date: 2020-06-07
• Event end date: 2020-06-10
• ISSN: 2243-3376
• ISBN: 9789523354678
• Language: English
• Keywords: Mittelstand; governance; Germany; platforms; digital platforms; mixed-method; SME; data cooperation; cluster analysis; landscape analysis