Platform ecosystems: Unlocking the subcontractors' business model opportunities

Abstract

Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The platform ecosystem business model, using data and network effects, creates new rules for how value is created and delivered. The viral growth characteristic to platform ecosystems has already caused disruption in several industries. The purpose of the research is to explore business opportunities facilitated by the platform ecosystem business model in the construction sector through an example case of a residential building construction. The key concepts and underpinning logics of the platform ecosystem business model are defined. Interactions between the five lean principles and the platform ecosystem concept are reviewed. Finally, an example case of implementation is represented with the help of the platform business model canvas.