Business-to-business platforms

This entry focuses on business-to-business (B2B) platforms that connect organizations using information and communication technologies. These platforms have revolutionized how businesses interact, transact and innovate, facilitating value creation and capture. Drawing on previous research and practical examples, this entry outlines the key characteristics of B2B platforms and the differences between B2B and business-to-consumer platforms. It further presents two primary types of B2B platforms. B2B transaction platforms facilitate the exchange of products and services between buyers and sellers. They streamline transactions and interactions and, consequently, enhance efficiency. B2B collaborative platforms enable organizations to foster longer-term business relationships and mutual learning and to manage diverse innovation activities among platform participants. For innovation scholars, avenues for future research on B2B platforms are suggested. For practitioners, a brief overview of current research is offered, providing valuable insights into and real-life examples of B2B platforms.