Digital platforms are becoming increasingly important. Two-sided markets complement and extend traditional mode of consumption in many domains already today. Examples include short-term accommodation sharing, crowd work, delivery services, resale- and auction platforms, as well as ride sharing markets. Central to the design and operation of digital platforms and associated business models is the existence of network effects, different user types und motives, and the paramount importance of trust and – based on this – the role of reputation systems and management.

The main focus of research is the analysis and the design of digital platform ecosystems from a socio-technical perspective on information systems. This includes

• the investigation of user behavior and psychology,
• technical,
• legal, as well as
• strategic aspects. 

Research on online trust and reputation focuses on the following topics:

• What creates trust? 
• Economic value of reputation
• Cross-platform data and reputation portability
• Reputation positivy bias

We investigate which elements or display formats of an online platform create trust, both among customers and retailers. Furthermore, we are exploring how real-estate agents or hosts need to present themselves in order to be chosen by customers. A good example in this regard is Airbnb, a platform for vacation rentals whose entire design is based on findings gained from research into trust in digital services.

Crowdfunding can be described as an internet-based finance and investment tool, through which a high number of individuals supports a project financially with relatively small contributions. In equity-based crowdfunding (ECF), the contribution made by mainly unprofessional (small) investors is linked to the participation in a project’s future profit. It thus enables ventures to acquire equity or mezzanine capital through an intermediary online platform.

ECF is discussed as a viable means with the potential to democratize finance, providing easy access to capital, particularly for seed and startup companies. However, the highly unregulated market suffers from cases of fraud and misconduct. 

Main research topics in this field are:

• User technology acceptance,
• Peer-investor trust & credibility as quality signals