The internationalization of digital platform-based firms: A systematic literature review and directions for future research

The recent acceleration in the international expansion of digital platform-based firms (DPFs) is changing the global business landscape. A limited but growing number of studies have begun exploring the nuances of DPFs and their unique internationalization processes. However, looking across research domains, the body of literature is substantial, albeit fragmented. With this paper, we provide a systematic review of the literature on the internationalization of DPFs with an emphasis on understanding their characteristics, internationalization patterns and typologies. We aim to provide a deeper understanding of the internationalization of DPFs and the distinct factors that influence this process. We believe that such a timely, comprehensive review will help international business and management scholars chart a clear path for future research. In addition to integrating existing literature, we highlight key gaps and inconsistencies in current knowledge and propose future research paths particularly informed by the distinct typologies of DPFs that have emerged from our analysis.