Plattformeiere

Plattformeiere is a neologism used in discussions of platform economies to denote professionals who steward cross-boundary interactions within digital ecosystems. They oversee the interfaces, data flows, and governance mechanisms that connect users, developers, and platform owners.

Their typical tasks include designing or enforcing interoperable APIs and data schemas, implementing authentication and privacy controls, curating content and moderation policies, and mediating disputes between parties.

They may operate as part of platform governance teams, outsource contractors, or as independent consultants. In some models, Plattformeiere help smaller entrants access larger platforms by guiding compliance with standards and licensing.

Their work shapes access, competition, and network effects; critics fear overreach, opaque decision-making, or job precarity.

Related concepts include platform governance, API economy, and interoperability engineering.