A Mixed-Method Landscape Analysis of SME-focused B2B Platforms in Germany

14 Pages Posted: 24 Jun 2020

See all articles by Tina Krell

Tina Krell

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Fabian Braesemann

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute

Fabian Stephany

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute; Bruegel; Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Nicolas Friederici

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Philip Meier

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

Date Written: May 30, 2020

Abstract

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.

Keywords: SME, Platforms, Data Cooperation, Digital Platforms, Germany, Landscape Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Mixed-Method, Governance, Mittelstand

JEL Classification: L26, M13, O3

Suggested Citation

Krell, Tina and Braesemann, Fabian and Stephany, Fabian and Friederici, Nicolas and Meier, Philip, A Mixed-Method Landscape Analysis of SME-focused B2B Platforms in Germany (May 30, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3614485 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3614485

Tina Krell (Contact Author)

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Fabian Braesemann

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute ( email )

1 St Giles
University of Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3JS
United Kingdom

Fabian Stephany

University of Oxford - Oxford Internet Institute ( email )

1 St. Giles
University of Oxford
Oxford OX1 3PG Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire OX1 3JS
United Kingdom

Bruegel ( email )

Rue de la Charité 33
B-1210 Brussels Belgium, 1210
Belgium

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Nicolas Friederici

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

Philip Meier

Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society ( email )

Bebelplatz 1 | 10099
Berlin
Germany

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