A systematic literature review of business-to-business platforms for the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry: taking stock and advancing through research

This systematic literature review aims to define the state of research on digital business-to-business platforms for manufacturing (DB2BPMs), by adopting a novel interdisciplinary approach. Previous studies have addressed this topic in a “compartmentalised” way, focusing either on the technical or on the economic domain, offering limited theoretical and practical insights into these platforms when creating value for the manufacturing industry. Current research gaps also concern the role of digital B2B platforms within the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, and the conditions, innovations, and governance models that stimulate or hamper this transformation. Eighty-two articles, published between 1999 and March 31st, 2024, were scrutinized and systematised. A conceptualization of DB2BPMs is provided, based on our results, as well as an analysis of the barriers that hamper their adoption at firm, industry, and supply chain-level. All these levels involve a variety of actors and infrastructures, which may have multiple, or evolving roles. Innovation processes that DB2BPMs can stimulate are identified, in terms of: business model adoption (especially leveraging on the opportunities offered by digital servitisation), technological advancements and capabilities, and automation of tasks. The paper suggests further research on the following key categories: actors; value creation; trust and capabilities; governance; impact; and technological innovations. A selection of policy and practical implications is proposed, that seek to guide policymakers and practitioners when navigating the complexities of DB2BPMs.