Radical Product Innovation in Network Economies

Diplomarbeit von Philipp Leutiger

Abstract:

The focus of this thesis is set on radical product introductions in network markets. It appears that these have to overcome significant impediments to reach critical mass in the form of network externalities. A literature overview of economic analysis in this field, including network types, value of networks, path dependencies and lock-ins, as well as a detailed critique of these frameworks, is provided. We then discuss several possible avenues to overcome these challenges, some of which relate to the optimal boundaries of the firm, as well as some which attempt to tackle market externalities. From these, a market based framework will be developed as a guideline for radical product introductions into network economies. We analyse business cases in light of this framework in a selection of historic examples. In addition, as we find that contradictory arguments abound in chapter three, a second approach is proposed tentatively as basis for further research.

Besides it’s theoretic approach this thesis also provides real world examples from different geographic areas, such as the U.S., Europe and Japan. A special emphasis will be put on the market of payment solutions now emerging in Europe, and, in particular, on the German start-up Paybox.net AG.

Table of Contents: