Platform Ecosystem Theory

Platform Ecosystem Theory describes how a core platform (like a smartphone operating system) creates a network where multiple developers, partners, and users interact and contribute value. This interconnected environment fosters innovation, as third-party developers build applications, services, or accessories that enhance the platform’s usefulness. Just as an ecosystem relies on diverse species working together, a platform ecosystem thrives through collaboration and shared growth. The theory emphasizes that the success of a platform depends not only on its own features but also on the strength, diversity, and quality of the external participants and integrations within that network.