Plattformøkologi

Plattformøkologi, or platform ecology, refers to the study of how digital platforms interact with and influence their surrounding digital and physical environments. It draws parallels to biological ecosystems, viewing platforms as organisms that compete for resources, form symbiotic relationships, and evolve over time. This concept helps analyze the complex interplay between platform providers, users, developers, and other businesses that depend on or interact with the platform.

Key aspects of platform ecology include understanding the flow of data, value, and attention within the ecosystem. It examines how platforms create and capture value, often through network effects where the platform becomes more valuable as more users join. The article would delve into the governance structures that platforms implement to manage their ecosystems, including rules, policies, and moderation practices. Competition and cooperation between different platforms and within a single platform's ecosystem are also central themes.

Furthermore, platform ecology considers the external impacts, such as how platforms shape markets, influence consumer behavior, and affect societal structures. It looks at the "biodiversity" of applications and services that emerge around a platform, and how these elements contribute to the platform's overall health and resilience. The concept provides a framework for understanding the dynamics of innovation, growth, and potential monopolies within the digital economy.