A contingency approach to platform implementation: platform types, attributes, and value chain integration

This research explores platform implementation in the house building industry using contingency theory, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to diverse operational contexts. Employing an exploratory multiple case study and market scan, this research investigates (1) platform adoption, (2) core product platform attributes, (3) processes of platform development, and (4) contingencies in implementation. Findings reveal distinct contingency fits between platform types, attributes, and value chain positions. Physical-dominant platforms align with deployability, configurability, and quality assurance, covering vertically integrated value chain. Digital-dominant platforms strongly align with platform attributes but focus on preparation and site assembly stages, covering limited value chain segments. Hybrid-dominant platforms demonstrate alignment with deployability, configurability, and repeatable elements, but show underdeveloped attributes and gaps between manufacturing and operation/maintenance stages. The study contributes theoretically by highlighting the alignment of contingency variables, platform types, attributes, and value chain positions, and managerially by providing a framework for practitioners to select optimal platform models for their contexts. It underscores that effective platform performance hinges on achieving contingent alignment among these variables rather than covering all attributes or value chain stages, offering valuable insights for optimizing platform strategies in the house building sector.