Platform configurations for local and private 5G networks in complex industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystems

• Published in: Telecommunications policy Vol. 45; no. 5; p. 102128
• Main Authors: Ahokangas, Petri, Matinmikko-Blue, Marja, Yrjölä, Seppo, Hämmäinen, Heikki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2021; Butterworth-Heinemann
• Subjects: 5G mobile communication; Case studies; Complex; Configurations; Connectivity; Convergence; Data; Digital technology; Digitization; Ecosystems; Information industry; Information technology; Legitimacy; Networks; Platform; Platforms; Regulation; Regulations; Stakeholders; Telecommunications policy; Wireless networks; Connectivity; 5G; Data; Regulation; Platform
• ISSN: 0308-5961; 1879-3258
• DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102128

Data and connectivity platforms play a crucial role in the digitalization of different sectors of our society. In complex industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystem contexts connectivity and data platforms are increasingly becoming converged, and private, vertical-specific local 5G networks are emerging. For this context, we depict and analyze alternative configurations for converging connectivity and data platforms and propose appropriate management actions for combining these platforms and achieving legitimacy. We examine a complex industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystem of a port and observe that in the considered case study, the convergence of connectivity and data platforms enhances digitalization and helps to create shared local information between stakeholders. The research identifies a set of regulatory challenges for local 5G networks in complex industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystems where the telecommunication and information technology-related regulations meet with vertical-specific regulations, leading to a complex environment in which to operate. As highly country-specific, these regulations can open new business opportunities or significantly slow down or even prevent a market opening to local private 5G networks for vertical-specific use. •Local 5G networks emerge to digitalize industrial multi-stakeholder ecosystems.•Paper depicts alternative configurations for data and connectivity platforms.•Paper proposes management actions for the convergence of the platforms.•Paper identifies complexity and country-specificity as key regulatory challenges.