Platform markets (B05)

• Subject Area: Economic Policy, Applied Economics
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326731373

Digital platforms such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google attract considerable attention from competition authorities, regulatory bodies, and the general public. In this project, we investigate how platform business models evolve and how platforms deal with limited information and learning by market participants. We also examine how the regulatory framework—most notably, the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act—affects market outcomes and social welfare in e-commerce, search, and digital media. Our research draws on new theoretical models and empirical analyses and serves as guidance for legislators, courts, and regulators.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 224: Economic Perspectives on Societal Challenges: Equality of Opportunity, Market Regulation, and Financial Stability
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Heads: Dr. Jens-Uwe Franck, until 12/2021; Professor Dr. Martin Peitz; Professor Dr. Sven Rady; Professorin Camille Urvoy, Ph.D., since 1/2026