Abstract
The unprecedented growth of globalization of companies specializing in the creation and operation of digital platforms, which is currently observed, is fundamentally changing the way economic agents interact in various markets, influencing the mechanisms of value creation. These trends have contributed to increased interest in digital platforms from researchers. At the same time, from an economic point of view, digital platforms still remain little studied. This article aims to fill this gap and aims to assess the main characteristics of digital platforms and reveal the economic nature of digital platforms. The paper uses a structural-functional approach to the study of the essence of digital platforms using methods of analysis and synthesis, visualization and demonstration. The paper considers the main features, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, opportunities and threats associated with the activities of digital platforms. The process of “network effect” achieved by the interaction of economic agents on digital platforms is described. Indirect positive and negative effects from such interaction on digital platforms are given. The differences between operational, innovative, investment and integrated platforms are described. In addition, a classification of income generation models by digital platforms is given with a description of their key characteristics. A general description of the digital platform market is given, and the risks for national economies associated with the market concentration of global digital platforms are indicated. The necessity of state intervention in this area at the national and supranational levels is outlined, the expediency of developing local digital platforms is substantiated, and some measures in this direction are proposed. The results of the study make a certain contribution to the development of the theory of the digital economy and can be used to prepare lectures in relevant disciplines, and can also serve as a basis for more in-depth research.