Platfformstyper

Platfformstyper is a broad term used to categorize different models of interaction and value creation within digital platform ecosystems. The concept helps describe how platforms connect participants, enable exchanges, and capture value, without prescribing a single business model. Different typologies highlight distinct economic logics, governance requirements, and user incentives.

Marketplace platforms. These are two-sided or multi-sided platforms that connect buyers and sellers, service providers and customers, or drivers and riders. Value arises from network effects—the more participants, the more useful the platform becomes. Examples range from general e-commerce marketplaces to gig marketplaces and booking platforms. Governance includes price rules, quality control, safety policies, and dispute resolution.

Social and content platforms. Platforms that host user-generated content or facilitate social interaction and collaboration. They rely on participation and engagement, often using algorithms to surface content and recommendations. Governance focuses on community standards, copyright, hate speech, privacy, and safety, balancing free expression with protection against harm.

Information discovery and distribution platforms. Search engines, news aggregators, and recommendation systems help users find information and entertainment. They depend on indexing, ranking algorithms, and data signals. Monetization commonly relies on advertising, subscriptions, or data-driven services, while governance emphasizes transparency, accuracy, and user trust.

Developer, API, and infrastructure platforms. Platforms that enable third-party developers to build on top of an ecosystem through APIs, SDKs, app stores, and cloud infrastructure. They create value by enabling interoperability, extensions, and scalable services. Policies cover API access, security, data governance, and platform reliability.

Overlaps and evolution. In practice, platforms often span multiple typologies and continue to hybridize as markets and technologies evolve. Common characteristics include network effects, data advantages, governance challenges, and the need for trust, safety, and regulatory compliance.