Platform Business Models

So far digital platforms have been particularly present in the B2C and C2C sectors. Large corporations such as Google, Amazon and Facebook have been benefiting from the so-called network and scaling effects of their platforms for many years. But platform-driven business models are also becoming increasingly relevant in the B2B sector. Platforms in the industrial sector often represent digital ecosystems and go far beyond pure transaction platforms in the sense of booking portals. Companies that manage to connect different market sides via their platform and build up a corresponding infrastructure for providers of complementary services become orchestrators of an ecosystem. Value is created through the efficient and targeted collaboration and networking of the various players. Companies can build different types of platforms and pursue different ecosystem strategies, depending on whether the ecosystem is to be used for market differentiation or joint innovation development, for example. We support companies in identifying the appropriate platform strategy and show how digital, networked supply chains can already be understood as ecosystems today.

Have you already dealt intensively with digital platforms in your industry or are you familiar with corresponding B2C or C2C role models? In a deep dive, we will show what distinguishing features there are between B2C and B2B platforms, what potential and design options a B2B platform economy offers and what challenges exist for companies. 

We work with you to identify the stakeholders in your platform ecosystem, analyze their relationships with each other and derive possible approaches for a suitable platform business model and an initial development strategy.

We design your digital ecosystem in such a way that it is attractive for both the operator and potential users, and thus provides added value for all stakeholders involved. In doing so, we consider the opportunities and potential for all players within the ecosystem and also analyze possible risks and obstacles. 

We provide you with conceptual support in developing a strategy for implementing your platform business model. We also design a roadmap that visualizes the transformation process and thus facilitates internal and external communication.