Platform markets, competition, and policies in the EU and U.S.

Abstract

This thesis examines key concepts of platform markets in policy decisions, focusing on the platform market characteristics in European Union (EU) and the United States (U.S.). The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) targets gatekeeper platforms with a set of antitrust laws enhancing fair competition on markets, while the U.S. emphasizes efficiency and innovation. First part of the thesis reviews platform factors, including network effects and competitive factors. Second parts analyses the EU and U.S. markets, focusing on antitrust policies and other dominant market characteristics. Both regions need to address data access and value, and acquisition policies. This study aims to bridge platform theory with policy decisions, offering insights and understanding for further research.