The rapid proliferation of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, and their potential to evolve into virtual digital assistants opens up new possibilities for user interactions and experiences (Maedche et al. 2019). These tools have the potential to become digital platforms and integrate innovations and additional functions from third-party providers (Parker et al. 2016). This openness can trigger a positive cycle of increased generativity (innovations by independent entrepreneurs) and user interest (Eisenmann et al. 2009). Generative AI platforms can thus become the dominant user interfaces and mediation services for users in the future.

The thesis will explore the platformization of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. It can focus on the role of third-party entrepreneurs as an essential component of the value creation of a platform ecosystem (Deilen & Wiesche 2021). It is also conceivable to focus on the strategies and options for providers of generative AI platforms with regard to entrepreneurs and beyond In order to better understand the platformization of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, the thesis should examine the participation of third-party providers in generative AI platform ecosystems. Exemplary questions can be:

• What are the strategies of entrepreneurs on generative AI platforms?
• How can third-party entrepreneurs create value on generative AI platforms?
• How does the participation of third-party entrepreneurs on generative AI platforms differ from the participation of third-party entrepreneurs on ordinary platforms?
• Under which conditions are generative AI platforms attractive for entrepreneur complementors and enable value creation?
• What are the strategies of generative AI platform providers with regard to entrepreneurs?
• What are the strategies of generative AI platform providers in competition with other platforms?

The following research methods, for example, can be used for the work:

• Literature research
• Primary data collection (interviews or surveys among partner companies)
• Analysis of publicly available data

Requirements

This topic is aimed at students of economics, industrial engineering or applied computer science who meet the following requirements:

• Interest in current research on digital platform ecosystems
• High degree of independence and personal responsibility
• Experience with scientific research methods and analytical skills

Literature

• Deilen, M., & Wiesche, M. (2021). The Role of Complementors in Platform Ecosystems. In Wirtschaftsinformatik Conference Proceedings
• Eisenmann, T., Parker, G., & Van Alstyne, M. (2009). Opening platforms: How, when and why?. In Platforms, markets and innovation (pp. 131-162). Edward
• Maedche, A., Morana, S., Laumer, S., & Weitzel, T. (2019). Artificial intelligence in the workplace: A sociotechnical perspective on prediction, judgment, and decision-making. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 61(3), 303-310.
• Parker, G. G., Alstyne, M. W. V., and Choudary, S. P. 2016. Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy - and How to Make Them Work for You. Norton & Company