Electronic Markets - The International Journal on Networked Business

24/10/2025

We have published the preface for the extension of our previous Special Issue on 'Social Welfare Computing for Electronic Markets': "Social Welfare Computing: Managing the harmful consequences of technological innovation" by Eric Clemons, Maximilian Schreieck and Helmut Krcmar.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00828-1

Social Welfare Computing focuses on the crucial and emerging discipline dedicated to limiting the societal harm caused by new technologies, such as data-intensive online applications and advanced AI.

Building on previous work, this collection of articles addresses the negative consequences of rapid technological progress - from the growing influence of online platforms and the pervasive problem of misinformation and polarization to the intricate implications of generative AI.

Key themes explored include:
Combating Data-Driven Disinformation: One paper uses computer simulation to explore how disinformation is amplified by data-driven algorithms and proposes regulatory solutions that respect free speech while limiting the effectiveness of disinformation campaigns.

Protecting Online Personae: Another article addresses the rise of reputation hacking through technologies like deepfakes. It argues for clarifying fundamental rights and requiring platforms to exercise due diligence to protect individuals' online images and voices.

Regulating Manipulation by Design: The research presented suggests that a combination of data protection law (like GDPR) and marketing law can be effective in limiting "dark patterns" in commercial marketing that veer from legitimate persuasion into data-driven manipulation.

Innovative Self-Moderation: A new model is proposed in which users posting content could simultaneously post a warrant of accuracy, or a bond. This would serve as a reliable quality indicator for readers and provide a less coercive, market-based approach to content self-moderation.

This extension underscores the need for proactive research to ensure that society’s ability to control and moderate the unintended consequences of technological evolution does not fall behind its unprecedented speed.

Home Electronic Markets Article Social Welfare Computing: Managing the harmful consequences of technological innovation Preface Published: 23 October 2025 Volume 35, article number 85, (2025) Cite this article Download PDF Electronic Markets Aims and scope Submit manuscript Social Welfare Computing:...

21/10/2025

We have published a new Call for Papers for the special issue on "Responsible and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in Tourism and Hospitality".

The special issue is guest edited by Brian EM King, Babak Taheri, Danae Manika and Kyoung Jun Lee. Submission deadline is: September 15, 2026.

You can find more information on our website: https://link.springer.com/collections/chdbfcddeg

We look forward to receiving many interesting submissions!

20/10/2025

We have published new research: "Business models of incumbent-owned platforms: A taxonomy and archetypal patterns" by Dardan Behrami, Gerrit Remane & Markus Böhm.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00843-2

We have published a new study on incumbent-owned platforms. Although start-ups in the platform economy have received significant attention, the unique journey of established firms transitioning to platform business models is an important yet often overlooked area.

This research addresses the fragmented nature of existing studies by analyzing 88 incumbent-owned platforms across various industries. The authors develop a robust taxonomy of incumbent-owned platform business models featuring 10 dimensions and 26 characteristics.

From this taxonomy, the study empirically derives six archetypal business models: C2C platforms, Community Platforms, Product Ecosystems, Hybrid Service Platforms, Data Ecosystems, and Independent Platforms.

Beyond classification, the research formulates propositions on the transformation pathways that incumbents follow, the strategies they use to overcome the chicken-and-egg problem, and the business model factors that influence platform success, survival, and failure.

The paper offers an empirically grounded framework that contributes to platform business model theory. It also provides managers with a structured tool for navigating strategic options and anticipating the challenges of platform transformation.

Digital platforms are transforming industries, yet research has predominantly focused on start-ups or pure platform firms, overlooking the unique challenges and opportunities faced by incumbents transitioning to platform business models. Existing studies in this domain are fragmented, often limited....

17/10/2025

We have published a new Call for Papers for the special issue on "Geopolitics and Business Models".

The special issue is guest edited by Paul Timmers, John Zysman, Dr.-Ing. Tobias Guggenberger and Baidyanath Biswas. Submission deadline is: March 31, 2026.

You can find more information on our website: https://link.springer.com/collections/dfjaddafjd

We look forward to receiving many interesting submissions!

06/10/2025

We have published a new research paper: "The impacts of purchase verification badge and review typesetting on voting behaviors of public assessors towards suspicious positive online reviews" by Pengkun Wu, Liuyan Chen & Yuanyuan Wu.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00833-4

This new research explores how online platforms can use crowdsourcing more effectively to deal with the widespread issue of suspicious positive reviews.

The study examines the factors that influence the voting behavior of public assessors, who are consumers invited to evaluate reviews. Drawing on cognitive load theory, the authors conduct an experiment to investigate the influence of platform features, particularly purchase verification (PV) badges and review formatting, on assessor decisions.

The findings demonstrate that the depth of a review and its typesetting both influence voting behavior, which is mediated serially through assessors' perceptions of reviewer effort and review helpfulness. PV badges, on the other hand, affect voting behavior by increasing review credibility and perceived helpfulness. Significantly, the research reveals that PV badges and review typesetting both moderate the relationship between review depth and voting behavior.

This paper offers insights for platform managers seeking to optimize their public assessment systems for greater accuracy and effectiveness in identifying suspicious content.

To tackle the issue of numerous suspicious reviews, some platforms have adopted crowdsourcing by inviting consumers to become public assessors. Drawing on cognitive load theory, this study examines the impact of purchase verification (PV) badges and review typesetting on voting behaviors, as well as...

30/09/2025

e have published a new research paper: "The effects of service quality of hybrid electronic commerce platform on consumer’s purchase intention: An assemblage theory approach" by Zhen Gao.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00837-0

This new study explores the complexities of modern hybrid e-commerce platforms.

How do different combinations of store operations and logistics services on a single platform influence consumers' decisions to buy? This study investigates that very question by analyzing four distinct models, ranging from fully platform-operated services to various combinations involving third-party sellers and logistics providers.

Using an assemblage theory perspective, the authors conducted an experimental survey with over 1,200 participants to determine how electronic service quality (ESQ) and logistics service quality (LSQ) impact customer satisfaction and purchase intent.

A key finding is that a platform-operated store with third-party logistics yielded the highest consumer satisfaction and purchase intention. The study also reveals the nuanced relationship between service quality and consumer behavior. For example, logistics quality has a direct impact when a single entity manages both the store and delivery.

This work provides valuable insights for platform managers and third-party sellers on how to optimize their service configurations to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

This study addresses a gap in hybrid e-commerce research by examining consumer response across four business assemblages, differentiated by store operation modes (platform-operated store vs. third-party sellers) and logistics modes (platform-operated logistics vs. third-party logistics). Grounded in...

24/09/2025

We have published new research: "The impact of IT governance on participation slackness and value co-creation of digital platform complementors" by Qi Zhang, Yu Che, Shibin Sheng, Xuan Bai & Weidong Li .
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00830-7

This paper delves into the critical role of IT governance in managing relationships within digital platform ecosystems. Based on a survey of 278 complementors, the study investigates the effects of IT monitoring and reputation badges on complementors' participation slackness and contribution to value co-creation.

Our findings reveal that, while IT monitoring and reputation badges both help reduce complementor slackness, reputation badges are particularly effective in encouraging value co-creation. The research also highlights IT support's significant moderating role, showing that its presence can amplify these governance mechanisms' positive effects.

This paper provides valuable insight into how platforms can leverage IT to govern relationships and influence key behaviors, fostering a more collaborative environment.

22/09/2025

We have published a new research paper: "The effects of personalized recommendations on perceived switching costs: The mediation roles of customer satisfaction and habits" by Li Xu, Yide Sun, Yuan-Teng Hsu & Ya-Ling Chiu.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00829-0

This study examines how personalized recommendations on e-commerce platforms affect perceived switching costs. The study illuminates the intricate relationship between technology and consumer behavior, revealing that recommendations' impact on a user's likelihood to remain on a platform is entirely dependent on two factors: customer satisfaction and habit formation.

The findings also provide a deeper understanding of consumer segmentation. For high-spending users, habit formation plays a more significant role in perceived switching costs. For low-spending users, however, customer satisfaction is the key driver. These insights can help platforms refine their strategies to better serve different customer groups.

This work contributes to our understanding of the digital marketplace by highlighting the importance of balancing innovation with user experience and consumer rights. It will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in e-commerce, digital marketing, and consumer psychology.

19/09/2025

We have published new research: "Evolutionary dynamics of digital platform ecosystems in healthcare: A case study of the discovery ecosystem in South Africa" by Chibuike Mbanefo & Sara Grobbelaar.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00820-9

This paper explores the evolutionary dynamics of digital platform ecosystems in the healthcare sector.

The study provides valuable insights into the interactions and evolution of various stakeholders, including providers, patients, insurers, and policymakers, within these collaborative networks. By analyzing the development of a specific healthcare ecosystem, the study illuminates the chronological stages, the roles of the actors, and the activities that drive development.

The paper provides academics and practitioners with a deeper understanding of actor roles and interactions, offering a model for building successful partnerships with technology providers and other key stakeholders to co-create value and improve patient outcomes.

Delivering quality healthcare rests on multiple interactions between several actors. From providers and patients to insurers and policymakers, each contributes to a network of services that promote, maintain, and restore health. Digital platforms are emerging as an innovative approach to facilitate....

16/09/2025

We have published a discussion paper on "How will the digital euro work? A preliminary analysis of design, structures, and challenges" by Volker Brühl, Center for Financial Studies, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00822-7

This discussion paper takes an in-depth look at the proposed design and architecture of the digital euro. The authors examine the complexities of integrating the digital euro into the current payment system and the challenges that lie ahead.
The research highlights key success factors for the project, including a high adoption rate, clear communication of its benefits, and sufficient incentives for banks and payment service providers. The findings offer valuable insights into the future of digital payments.

The ECB has been working on the potential introduction of a digital euro for several years. This article provides an overview of how a digital euro is intended to work. An examination of the prospective design features and architecture of the digital euro reveals the complexity of the project and th...

15/09/2025

We have published new research: "Optimizing AI strategies in e-commerce customer service: An agent-based simulation" by Yali Zhang, Zhenbin Ding, Jun Sun, Xingfang Zhao, Xu Hu & Zhaojun Yan.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00821-8

This publication explores how e-commerce companies can optimize their AI strategies for customer service.
Using a simulation model, the study evaluates three strategies: human-only, AI-only, and human-AI collaboration.
The findings show that the optimal approach depends on task complexity, service volume, product margin, and other factors. This paper offers valuable insights for companies seeking to improve their customer service operations through the effective deployment of AI.

This paper is part of our Special Issue on "Service research in the digital era": https://link.springer.com/collections/jbeibcbdfj

10/09/2025

We have published new research: "AI-powered predictive modeling for food-service crowdfunding success: An integrated approach with business intelligence and supervised machine learning for smart business ecosystem" by Minwoo Lee, Yoon Koh, Araceli Hernandez & Taehyee Um.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-025-00824-5

This paper investigates using machine learning (ML) to predict the success of food-service crowdfunding projects.

The study analyzed data from over 22,000 Kickstarter projects using seven different supervised ML algorithms. The results suggest that deep learning and XGBoost are effective models for predicting crowdfunding success.

This study advances our understanding of success factors in online crowdfunding and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs using these platforms.

This study investigates the potential of machine learning (ML) for predicting food-service crowdfunding success, addressing a gap in online crowdfunding platform and smart business ecosystem. Drawing on costless signaling theory and insights from crowdfunding literature, five reputational and eleven...