Whether it's trade in chemical goods or logistics services, North Rhine-Westphalia is a pioneer in the field of so-called B2B platforms - digital marketplaces where goods, services or information are traded between companies. North Rhine-Westphalia's two locational advantages are its strong industrial sector and its many international trade fairs. These are the key findings of a study by Düsseldorf Competition Economics, which was commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and presented at a digital event on December 16.
Key findings are:
- B2B platforms differ from B2C platforms that address end customers: In particular, B2B platforms are often highly specialized. In addition, the trust of companies towards the platform plays a much greater role in - B2B business than in B2C.
- The following industries are particularly promising for establishing successful B2B platforms in North Rhine-Westphalia: manufacturing (mechanical engineering, chemical industry, steel/metal production/processing), furniture industry, logistics, retail, healthcare, waste disposal industry.
- A greater awareness of the potential of B2B platforms should be created, especially among smaller and medium-sized companies. It is a good idea for several companies to set up a platform together.
- It is advised to bring trade fair companies more closely together with platform founders and innovative start-ups.
- The study also addresses the regulatory framework that will be significantly changed for the platform economy at the federal level with the 10th amendment of the GWB Digitization Act and at the EU level with the Digital Services Act and the Digital Market Act. It is expected that these adjustments will have a positive impact on the development of B2B platforms.