Boundary-Making and the Evolution of Platform Ecosystems – The Case of TripAdvisor

This paper focuses on boundary-making in platform ecosystems. We conduct a longitudinal case study of TripAdvisor (2000-2019) to investigate the mechanisms of boundary-making that the platform uses to orchestrate relations with its external environment. Our empirical narrative recounts the story of the many mechanisms (i.e. partnerships, acquisitions, commercial agreements, “plug-and-play” solutions) with which TripAdvisor has been able to establish, govern and grow its now rich ecosystem. The case documents the technologies used as boundary resources and examines the role of such technologies in shaping drivers and mechanisms of boundary-making. Our findings unravel the variety of boundary-making mechanisms and drivers in platform ecosystems and point to the fact that technology has a much greater role in shaping boundary-making strategy and in accelerating change in the ecosystem configurations. Drawing from a richer theoretical account of how platform organizations interact with their environment, we expand on the role of technology in boundary-making and we illustrate how it changes both drivers and mechanisms of control. Looking at the role of technology in boundary-making we argue, contributes to the understanding of platform ecosystems’ evolution."