Aim: The recent disruptive rise of digital platforms has shaped people¿s lives contributing to the definition of a new socio-economic paradigm.Despite the increasing spread of digital platforms in any socio-economic systems, their sustainability has been not still enough investigated. For bridging this gap in knowledge, the project aims at analysing economic, social, and environmental impacts of platforms ecosystems.Specifically, the economic sustainability of platforms is related to the overall impact of digital platforms on competition, tax regulation, and business configurations; social sustainability is analysed concerning privacy protection, social inequality, and new labour models; and environmental sustainability is approached considering the environmental costs of computation, the lack of a global strategy on climate change, and the environmental footprint of digital platforms.Methodology: The project builds upon the conceptual framework advised by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for depicting a conceptual model able to in-depth existing knowledge about 1] sustainability of digital platforms, and 2] managerial processes, actions, and behaviours for increasing sustainability of digital platforms.
The project will combine quali-quantitative methodologies to define a theoretical framework able to suggest managerial actions for improving the sustainability of digital platform ecosystems. Multiple case studies analysis will be conducted for tracing main processes and dynamics on which to build a sustainability-based approach for the management of digital platforms.Originality: The project enriches existing knowledge about a recent and relevant topic both in managerial and social studies. Focusing the attention on the ways for ensuring and increasing sustainability in the management of digital platforms, the project provides possible stimuli for reflections about future policies for technology and digital management in the light of sustainability science.
