The co-evolution of digital platform strategy and platform architecture

The pervasiveness of digital technologies has spurred the rise of different types of digital platforms. While recent studies have provided insights into ecosystem strategies of digital platforms, strategy research focusing on internal digital platforms within organizations remains limited. The architecture of digital platforms is vital to our understanding of their nature and evolution. Strategy and architecture of digital platforms in tandem can provide valuable insights into this process. Employing a research case study and the theories of co-evolution and punctuated equilibrium, this study investigates how digital platform strategy (conceptualized as an ongoing process) and platform architecture co-evolve in an organization over time. The expected outcome is a theoretical model of co-evolution of digital platform strategy and architecture, consisting of generative mechanisms (e.g. patterns) of co-evolution. The theoretical model is expected to lead to a set of guidelines for practitioners interested in strategizing internal digital platforms.