Digital platform entry to healthcare. Coopetition strategy and the emergence of multiplatform ecosystems
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa, L5
Topic of the dissertation
Digital platform entry to healthcare. Coopetition strategy and the emergence of multiplatform ecosystems
Doctoral candidate
M.Sc. (Master of Science) Mahmoud Mohamed
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Oulu Business School, Martti Ahtisaari Institute
Subject of study
International Business Management
Opponent
Professor Dominic Chalmers, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
Custos
Professor Petri Ahokangas, Martti Ahtisaari Institute
How small tech platform companies are entering healthcare by competing and cooperating with incumbents
Digital platforms—such as mobile health apps, diagnostic tools, and care coordination systems—are transforming even the most regulated industries, including healthcare. This doctoral research explores how small and medium-sized digital platform companies, such as start-ups, attempt to enter and succeed in the healthcare market, which is traditionally dominated by large, well-established players.
The study focuses on how these new entrants combine cooperation and competition—a strategy known as coopetition—to create value and overcome the significant barriers posed by regulation, trust, and system integration. By working both with and against incumbents, these companies can find pathways into the market and contribute to the emergence of Multiplatform Ecosystems (MPEs), where different digital platforms operate together, often in complementary ways.
Key findings show that small digital companies can enhance the services of larger players while also gaining access to critical healthcare networks. This mutual benefit can lead to more innovative, efficient, and patient-focused solutions. The research also offers policy recommendations, such as developing shared data standards and regulatory testbeds, to support safe and collaborative innovation in healthcare.
Ultimately, the study provides new insights into how digital transformation in healthcare can be advanced through strategic partnerships and innovative platform models—benefiting patients, providers, and technology developers alike.
The study focuses on how these new entrants combine cooperation and competition—a strategy known as coopetition—to create value and overcome the significant barriers posed by regulation, trust, and system integration. By working both with and against incumbents, these companies can find pathways into the market and contribute to the emergence of Multiplatform Ecosystems (MPEs), where different digital platforms operate together, often in complementary ways.
Key findings show that small digital companies can enhance the services of larger players while also gaining access to critical healthcare networks. This mutual benefit can lead to more innovative, efficient, and patient-focused solutions. The research also offers policy recommendations, such as developing shared data standards and regulatory testbeds, to support safe and collaborative innovation in healthcare.
Ultimately, the study provides new insights into how digital transformation in healthcare can be advanced through strategic partnerships and innovative platform models—benefiting patients, providers, and technology developers alike.
Last updated: 18.9.2025