Generative AI platforms as institutional catalysts of digital entrepreneurship: Enablement, dependence & power dynamics

IF 12.5 1区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL ISSUES

Technology in Society Pub Date : 2025-09-19 DOI:10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103074

Kisito F. Nzembayie , David Urbano

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study theorizes how recent generative AI (Gen AI) platforms operate as institutional catalysts of platform-dependent entrepreneurship (PDE). Integrating institutional theory, the external enablement framework, and innovation platform theory, we propose an integrative framework for explaining the emergence of PDE under reliance on non-substitutable, platform-governed capabilities. Using an abductive mixed-method case study of OpenAI's ecosystem (2020–2025), we trace how governance, boundary resources, and institutional signals shape entrepreneurial feasibility, scaling, and vulnerability. Our analysis identifies four catalytic institutional mechanisms—Infrastructure Provision, Capability Scaffolding, Market Legitimization, and Ecosystem Orchestration—that enable venture creation while simultaneously generating dependence. Temporal analysis reveals an enablement–dependence paradox: platforms accelerate entry by democratizing frontier capabilities, yet accumulate dependencies that expose ventures to governance shocks. Empirically, we show how enthusiasm gave way to crisis during OpenAI's GPT-5 release, illustrating governance overreach, trust erosion cascades, and choice removal as control. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications.

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生成式人工智能平台作为数字创业的制度催化剂：实现、依赖和权力动态

本研究对最近的生成式人工智能（Gen AI）平台如何作为平台依赖型创业（PDE）的制度催化剂进行了理论分析。结合制度理论、外部使能框架和创新平台理论，我们提出了一个综合框架来解释依赖于不可替代的平台治理能力的PDE的出现。通过对OpenAI生态系统（2020-2025）的溯因混合方法案例研究，我们追踪了治理、边界资源和制度信号如何影响创业可行性、规模和脆弱性。我们的分析确定了四种催化制度机制——基础设施提供、能力支撑、市场合法化和生态系统协调——它们在产生依赖的同时能够实现风险创造。时间分析揭示了一个实现依赖悖论：平台通过使前沿能力民主化来加速进入，但积累的依赖关系使企业面临治理冲击。根据经验，我们展示了在OpenAI的GPT-5发布期间，热情是如何让位于危机的，说明了治理过度、信任侵蚀级联以及作为控制的选择移除。我们总结了理论和实践意义。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Technology in Society Multiple-

CiteScore

17.90

自引率

14.10%

发文量

316

审稿时长

60 days

期刊介绍： Technology in Society is a global journal dedicated to fostering discourse at the crossroads of technological change and the social, economic, business, and philosophical transformation of our world. The journal aims to provide scholarly contributions that empower decision-makers to thoughtfully and intentionally navigate the decisions shaping this dynamic landscape. A common thread across these fields is the role of technology in society, influencing economic, political, and cultural dynamics. Scholarly work in Technology in Society delves into the social forces shaping technological decisions and the societal choices regarding technology use. This encompasses scholarly and theoretical approaches (history and philosophy of science and technology, technology forecasting, economic growth, and policy, ethics), applied approaches (business innovation, technology management, legal and engineering), and developmental perspectives (technology transfer, technology assessment, and economic development). Detailed information about the journal's aims and scope on specific topics can be found in Technology in Society Briefings, accessible via our Special Issues and Article Collections.