중개형 플랫폼으로서의 종합무역상사에 대한 탐사적 연구

초록

Purpose: With the rise of 'Networked Business', the role of 'Intermediaries' has been highlighted. Mediating the various players in the network, intermediaries can enjoy the platform leadership. Reflected against the experience of the General Trading Companies, two critical features are identified in these attempts - market development and supplier development. How could the General Trading Companies lead the related players? What is the reason for the 'relative decline' of the General Trading Companies? This study attempts to analyze the role of General Trading Companies through the lens of platform strategy.Composition/Logic: Following the general overview (Chapter I), theoretical background of the study is summarized (Chapter II). Based on the key theory constructs delineated in Chapter II, there is a historical analysis on the Korean General Trading Companies in Chapter III. Field interviews with the policy makers and the managers involved in the trading practice cross-validates the historical analysis. In Chapter IV, policy implication from this research is identified. Limits of the study and future research implication are summarized in Chapter V. Findings: Recent studies in 'platform strategy' provide meaningful insights for the General Trading Companies. Despite the relative decline (compared against their high days in the 1970s), the General Trading Companies still have opportunities as long as they can sustain their advantages in the market development and supplier development. Concept of platform envelopment provides an insight. Pivotal role of the government support (especially trade financing privileges) can also be explained through the lens of platform leadership.Originality/Value: Contrary to the past studies, this study attempts to understand the role of the General Trading Companies as the pivotal platform player mediating the network. Interview with the policy makers provide evidential support. Strategic implication is drawn out of this frame of analysis.

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