Navigating Digital Platform Challenges: Three Studies on Blockchain-based Platform Competition, Platform Subsidies for Non-Fungible Token Creation, and Ghosting in the Dating Market

The advent of technology and the internet has ushered in new business paradigms, notably online platforms designed to connect users or provide access to desired products or services. The success of these platforms depends significantly on their owners' readiness and willingness to adapt strategic decisions, enhancing their market position. Despite extensive research, new challenges continuously arise, either from rapid technological advancements or from evolving insights into the user journey. This dissertation investigates such challenges through three focused studies: (1) The impact of new, technology-driven platforms on the offerings of established platforms; (2) The complex effects of scaling the supply side via financial incentives; (3) The role of antighosting features in improving matchmaking. These studies contribute to our understanding of emerging platform challenges and response strategies. In the fast-evolving ecosystem of online platforms, operators often recognize the implications of these challenges post-occurrence, struggling to address them with potentially ineffective policies. Thus, the insights provided in this dissertation are timely and valuable for managers and researchers in this area.