Modeling Platform Business Growth Using Open Innovation and Agent-Based Approach

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Reza Amerisiyahooei

Masoumeh Hosseinzadeh Shahri

Department of Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/jstinp.2025.95251.1175

Abstract

Open innovation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the growth of platform businesses, while agent-based modeling offers a practical approach to exploring development scenarios due to the complexity and dynamic nature of these businesses. In this study, agents are classified as service receivers or service providers. Service receivers are further classified as interactive/analytical or normal/indifferent, whereas service providers are identified as active/interactive or normal/indifferent. These classifications account for all dimensions of participation and the platform's operational environment.
Platform–agent interactions are modeled using attraction, facilitation, and adaptation mechanisms, whereas agent–agent interactions are defined by positive or negative impacts. The model was designed using the Taguchi experimental design method (Qualitek software) to generate four-level scenarios for key indicators, including Absorptive capacity, networking and network management, knowledge and technical capacity, and collaborative capability. The scenarios were then simulated using AnyLogic.
Results indicate that the optimal levels for attraction, networking, and technical capacity correspond to the fourth level, while the third level is optimal for collaborative capability. The simulation further demonstrates that implementing the optimal scenario enhances overall platform performance, yielding a value of 0.957. These findings provide practical insights for managing platform-based businesses and contribute to a better understanding of how to integrate open innovation with agent-based modeling to optimize platform growth.

Keywords

Scenario

Platform Development

Open innovation

Agent-Based simulation

Businesses development

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