Data Cooperation Platforms for SMEs

Large digital platforms from the USA and China have dominated digital markets across industries and countries. They quickly became the most valuable companies in the world. Due to the growth and growing influence of large US digital corporations, the platform is now widely regarded as the most successful business model for the digital economy.

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The project Data Cooperation Platforms for SMEs (DaPla Mittelstand) is exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in data-rich markets can better participate in the increasing platformization of value chains. The project examines the extent to which SMEs are able to establish and use digital platform cooperatives. It discusses conditions for successful platform cooperative governance models for SMEs in data-intensive markets. In particular, collaborations among SMEs or alliances between SMEs and large companies will be assessed.

Challenges and opportunities for SMEs

The project first conducts a landscape analysis of SME-oriented platforms in data-intensive markets in Germany. Second, mechanisms, success factors and obstacles in existing platform cooperative collaborations are examined.

The project combines data-scientific methods with qualitative and participatory formats. Insights are generated in conversation with entrepreneurs and experts in the digital platform ecosystem. Through active and constant participation of policy and SME representatives, this exploratory study will form the basis for platform cooperative policy recommendations and more extensive follow-up studies.