In this section
@article{Fraser:2026:10.1002/smj.70124,
author = {Fraser, J and Altman, EJ and Ozcan, P},
doi = {10.1002/smj.70124},
journal = {Strategic Management Journal},
title = {Platform development in incumbent firms: the interplay of data and actor interests in adding platforms to existing businesses},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smj.70124},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Research SummaryDespite growing interest in platform transitions, limited research examines how firms navigate challenges of building platform businesses alongside existing products. Through a longitudinal case study of a financial services firm launching a platform, we develop a process model revealing how data bottlenecks shape platform development. These bottlenecks arise from the interplay of technological limitations and control tensions over data aggregation, sharing, and usage. We identify five sequential bottlenecks, where resolving one reconfigures constraints, giving rise to the next. We theorize how data heterogeneity, variation in strategic sensitivity, and actors' absorptive capacity create opportunities for platform sponsors to capture value without competing with complementors. We extend resource dependency theory by showing how peripheral units overcome power imbalances by demonstrating value creation potential with limited data.
AU - Fraser,J
AU - Altman,EJ
AU - Ozcan,P
DO - 10.1002/smj.70124
PY - 2026///
SN - 0143-2095
TI - Platform development in incumbent firms: the interplay of data and actor interests in adding platforms to existing businesses
T2 - Strategic Management Journal
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/smj.70124
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.70124
ER -