The Role of Digital Platforms in Resident- Centric Housing Concepts

🌍This resource is published by the Technology Innovation Management Review and authored by Inka Lappalainen and Maija Federley. It explores the increasing significance of digital platforms in enhancing resident-centric housing concepts, emphasizing the integration of technology and sustainable living practices. The article discusses how megatrends such as aging, urbanization, sustainability, and digitalization are driving changes in housing expectations and services.

📈One of the main themes is the shift towards servitization in housing, where residents are seen as active participants in value co-creation. This transition is supported by digital platforms that enable the sharing economy, allowing residents to acquire and co-produce services tailored to their needs. The article highlights the need for a data-driven approach to create value in housing, focusing on how digital platforms can facilitate more agile and demand-driven service models that challenge traditional construction and residential services.

🔍The study employs a qualitative multi-case approach, analyzing four innovative housing concepts in Finland that integrate digital platforms. The findings indicate that these platforms provide diverse value creation opportunities, ranging from informative roles to more complex, embedded functionalities within housing services. The authors identify two main strategic approaches for leveraging digital platforms: a focus on the entire housing block concept and modular scalability, which offers flexibility in service offerings.

🏡Each of the four cases examined demonstrates different aspects of resident-centric housing. For instance, one case emphasizes community well-being through shared spaces and services, including gyms, reading rooms, and maintenance services. Another case prioritizes ecological living, featuring modern building materials and access to shared resources like electric cars and bicycles. These examples illustrate the potential of housing as a service platform, promoting sustainable and community-oriented living environments.

💡The article also discusses the importance of overcoming existing gaps in the ecosystem surrounding housing services, particularly during the construction phase. It emphasizes the need for collaboration among various actors, including service providers and local authorities, to create a cohesive and integrated residential service ecosystem.

🔗Furthermore, the study recognizes the ongoing transformation in the construction and real estate industries as new service models and players emerge. Digital platforms not only present opportunities for innovation but also pose challenges in integrating traditional business models with modern platform-based approaches.

📊The research underscores the untapped potential of data-driven value creation in residential contexts, suggesting that effective platform governance and openness are crucial for fostering competitiveness and growth. By examining strategic choices regarding platform design and value creation, the authors provide valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers in the housing sector.

🌱In conclusion, the article advocates for a holistic understanding of housing that integrates physical, social, and digital solutions. It calls for a shift towards more networked and data-driven business models that align with the evolving expectations of residents. The implications of this research extend beyond Finland, offering lessons for sustainable housing initiatives across Europe.