Platvormiettevõtted

Platvormiettevõtted, also known as platform companies, are businesses that create and manage digital platforms connecting different user groups, typically buyers and sellers, or service providers and consumers. These platforms facilitate interactions and transactions, often without directly owning the assets or providing the services being exchanged. Examples include online marketplaces, ride-sharing services, and social media networks. The core function of a platvormiettevõte is to reduce search and transaction costs by bringing together dispersed users and enabling them to find each other and engage in commerce.

These companies generate revenue through various models, such as charging commissions on transactions, subscription fees, advertising, or selling data. The network effect is a crucial aspect of platvormiettevõtted's success; as more users join a platform, its value increases for all participants, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. This can lead to dominant market positions for successful platforms. However, their business model also presents challenges, including issues related to regulation, data privacy, labor rights for service providers, and fair competition. The rapid growth and disruptive nature of platvormiettevõtted have made them a significant topic of discussion in economics and public policy.