Digital platform openness and differentiation: a qualitative case study on Google Android and the implications for the smartphone industry.

Abstract

Titled "Digital Platform Openness and Differentiation: A Qualitative Case Study on Google Android and the Implications for the Mobile Phone Industry," this research delves into the complex realm of the platform economy, with a keen focus on the smartphone industry. The opening chapter traces the historical evolution of the platform concept, emphasizing its significance in the mobile phone industry revolution. It explores the broader platform economy, delineating foundations, peculiarities, and key dynamics. The chapter culminates in an examination of digital platforms, their definitions, typologies, and the participants shaping the ecosystem. The second chapter delves deeper into platform openness, unraveling its dynamics, strategies, and outcomes. A comprehensive literature review explores different dimensions of platform openness, examining how sponsors decide to open their platforms and the key trade-offs involved. The focus narrows to the degree of openness in the software industry, emphasizing open source software. The chapter concludes with theories explaining platform openness, particularly in the context of open source software. The third and concluding chapter focuses on platform openness in the smartphone industry. It elucidates competition models pursued by manufacturing companies for differentiation, introducing the research methodology of qualitative analysis through industry study, exploration of Android skins, and direct interviews. Results from the qualitative analysis draw conclusions and address the research question. The chapter closes by outlining research limitations and providing insights for future analyses. This research enhances understanding of digital platform openness, particularly in the smartphone industry, shedding light on strategies employed by manufacturers to differentiate in a dynamic and competitive landscape.