Extended abstracts deadline: 2 April 2026

Format: maximum 1,000 words plus references


Symplatform invites scholars to submit extended abstracts exploring the evolving world of platforms. We welcome contributions that place platforms at the center of the study, whether the focus is on their economic logic, governance, socio technical configuration, ecosystem dynamics, or broader implications for markets and society.


We are open to a wide range of perspectives and disciplines, including management, information systems, innovation, marketing, strategy, business modeling, and technology focused research. We also encourage work addressing emerging and high impact themes such as blockchain, Web3, and regulatory and policy challenges.


We welcome any study design, including:


Empirical research (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, experiments, design science, field studies)

Conceptual papers (frameworks, typologies, theory development)

Literature reviews (systematic reviews, bibliometric studies, integrative reviews)



The key criterion is simple: the platform phenomenon must be central to the research question, theoretical framing, and contribution.



Submissions may address, for example:


How do platforms reshape value creation, value capture, and competitive advantage across industries?

How do governance choices balance openness and control, inclusion and efficiency, innovation and compliance?

How do platform ecosystems emerge, evolve, and decline and what drives tipping points and reversals?

What changes when platforms become hybrid, physical, civic, industrial, or mission driven?

How do data, algorithms, AI, blockchain, and decentralized architectures redefine platform boundaries and power?

How do regulation and policy interventions influence platform strategies and ecosystem outcomes?



These questions are illustrative. Any platform centered contribution with a clear scholarly payoff is welcome.



Review process and presentation formats
Authors will receive an acceptance decision by mid May 2026.


Accepted contributions can be presented in one of the following formats:


Online presentation: 1 September 2026

In person in Milan: 3 or 4 September 2026

3 September: an academic only research session

4 September: a session open to both academics and practitioners, inviting authors to highlight the managerial implications of their work




Dedicated track for the TFSC Special Issue
Symplatform 2026 will also host a dedicated track linked to the upcoming Technological Forecasting and Social Change special issue on Platform Thinking as a cross sectoral socio technical paradigm. This track is designed to support authors who aim to submit to the special issue by offering in person, pre submission feedback from the guest editors during the conference.

Use the main submission form for the conference.


Submission instructions
Submit your extended abstract (max 1,000 words plus references) by 2 April 2026.

You won’t gent any confirmation email, you will only receive the decision by Mid-May 2026.

For doubts write to daniel.trabucchi@polimi.it