Design dimensions of Digital Platform Ecosystems for Independent Living Services

Abstract

This thesis summarizes the results of theoretical and empirical research, through a case-study approach, into a Framework for a Digital Platform Ecosystem (DPE) for Independent Living Services (ILS). A theoretical framework for a DPE is developed based on content analysis of selected articles from a literature review. This framework consists of seven design dimensions (building blocks): ‘Network effects’; ‘Governance’; ‘Boundary resources’; ‘Architecture’; ‘Data governance’; ‘Valuecreating mechanisms’; ‘Ecosystems and the wider environment’, and at least two to six subdesign dimensions per design dimension. The framework is researched for the relevance of its subdesign dimensions, through a case-study approach, using an organization that qualified the research criteria for a DPE for ILS. Using Thematic Analysis (TA), the transcribed interviews of actor-participants were analyzed for themes. Participants also rated the subdesign dimensions for their relevance. This resulted in a final framework for a DPE for ILS for the case-organization. The framework can be by used by DPE’s for ILS, which are at a developing stage, to gain an understanding of the design dimensions and subdesign dimensions of the DPE. It may also be used to establish a common understanding of the DPE between actors from a framework perspective as well as addressing responsibilities. Further validation of the framework should be undertaken contributing to triangulation of the results.

Date of Award	24 Feb 2022
Original language	English
Supervisor	Samaneh Bagheri (Supervisor) & Irene Vanderfeesten (Examiner)