Redefining markets for multi-sided platforms in the digital economy: EU’s latest Notice

Sahin Sengul, E ORCID: 0000-0002-4741-2171 (2025) Redefining markets for multi-sided platforms in the digital economy: EU’s latest Notice. In: BILETA Annual Conference: Accelerating Innovation & Strengthening Digital Governance, 2 - 4 April 2025, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.

Abstract

In February 2024, the European Commission released a revised Market Definition Notice (Notice 2024) to address new market dynamics influenced by digitalisation and modern delivery methods for goods and services. The Notice 2024 includes a dedicated section on multi-sided platforms (s.4.4) and, for the first time, provides market definition guidance for those platforms in the European Union (EU). Multi-sided platforms, like online marketplaces connecting buyers and sellers or operating systems linking end-users with developers, generate value by serving distinct customer groups whose interactions benefit each other. The rise of multi-sided platforms, fuelled by technology and the internet, requires a nuanced market definition as traditional methods struggle to accurately identify the relevant market for them because of their unique economic models. On the basis of the above, the presentation first explores the features of single-sided, two-sided, and multi-sided platforms and explains why the traditional market definition has been ineffective for multi-sided platforms. It then examines how Notice 2024 incorporates lessons from past cases, recognising that the Commission may define a single market for the platform as a whole or separate markets for each side based on substitution differences while also emphasising the importance of network effects. Finally, the presentation examines how the Notice 2024 aligns with the evolving EU acquis, considering its adaptability to regulatory developments and its role in shaping market definitions amid the changing digital landscape.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions:	Bath Business School
Date Deposited:	22 Apr 2025 17:37
Last Modified:	22 Apr 2025 17:37
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/17013

	Request a change to this item or report an issue
	Update item (repository staff only)