In the trail of digital platformization: mapping the business algorithmization process by criticism of political economy

Abstract

In the wake of the current process of digital platformization underway within the capitalist mode of production, this paper aims to present the results of the mapping of a series of digital platforms cataloged and analyzed by the authors over the last twelve months. In turn, this presentation – via a survey of 7100 digital platforms cataloged in a stratified and non-probabilistic sampling scope – aims to uncover the magnitude and extent of the observed phenomenon, revealing that not only renowned platform companies and some of the best-known big techs have been using the algorithmization of their busi-ness models, but also a growing group of ‘traditional’ companies and small and medium-sized platform companies spread across various economic sectors. Thus, we observe a vast heterogeneity of digital platforms present in various areas of activity, which not only foster new fringes of accumulation in times of crisis, but also assist in the dynamism and social reproducibility of the ineliminable cycle of industrial capital.