Thematic structure of research on platform business growth: implications for strategy

In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to explore research on platform business growth. By mapping key themes, we provided a structured overview of the field. Our findings highlight four primary research themes: ‘platform architecture, network effects, and complementors’, ‘platform business models’, ‘platform dynamic capabilities’ and ‘platform ecosystems’. Through co-word and co-citation analyses, this study enhances theoretical understanding by identifying major research areas and gaps. Additionally, it offers both theoretical and practical insights for optimising platform strategies. By pinpointing research gaps, we pave the way for future studies on platform business growth.