Uncovering platforms: investigating and visualizing the variety of platform capitalism in Italy and Spain.

Abstract

This paper critically examines the phenomenon of platform capitalism through the lens of national contextual factors that shape its evolution, challenging the prevailing tendency in the literature to emphasize convergence towards a uniform North American entrepreneurial model. Two theoretical perspectives emerge: one positing a uniformity in platform models and the other advocating for diversification due to varying institutional frameworks. While platforms aim for global scalability through established business models, the influence of distinct economic contexts on their operations remains underexplored. This study argues for a deeper investigation of national specificities in platform capitalism, particularly through the framework of Varieties of Capitalism (VoC). The analysis focuses on two Mediterranean economies, Italy and Spain, exploring how food delivery and ride-hailing platforms interact with their mixed market systems, thereby illuminating the differential conditioning and differentiation processes inherent in these contexts.