Abstract This paper explores the direct network effect for online platforms supporting industrial symbiosis (IS), which is a recommended strategy to support the transition towards the circular economy. Through IS, companies can use wastes produced by other companies as inputs to production processes. Online platforms supporting companies in operating IS relationships can play a critical role in developing the IS practice. In this paper, an agent-based model is designed to simulate the emergence of IS relationships among companies located in a given geographical area. Companies can establish relationships traditionally (relying on face-to-face contacts) or by using a platform. Several scenarios, defined by different platform usage rates, are simulated. Results show that there is a minimum platform usage rate allowing companies to benefit from using the platform. If the platform usage rate is lower than this threshold, the platform does not contribute to generate further benefits for companies. When the platform usage rate is higher than the threshold, the individual benefits for users are higher the greater the number of other companies using the platform. Based on these results, implications on how to ensure a win-win approach for companies and platform owners can be provided, as well as implications for policymakers.

中文翻译：

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量化支持工业共生的在线平台的直接网络效应：基于代理的模拟研究

摘要 本文探讨了支持工业共生 (IS) 的在线平台的直接网络效应，这是支持向循环经济转型的推荐策略。通过信息系统，公司可以使用其他公司产生的废物作为生产过程的投入。支持公司运营 IS 关系的在线平台可以在发展 IS 实践中发挥关键作用。在本文中，基于代理的模型旨在模拟位于给定地理区域的公司之间出现 IS 关系。公司可以通过传统方式（依靠面对面的联系）或使用平台来建立关系。模拟了由不同平台使用率定义的几种场景。结果表明，存在允许公司从使用该平台中受益的最低平台使用率。如果平台使用率低于此阈值，则平台无助于为企业带来更多收益。当平台使用率高于阈值时，使用该平台的其他公司越多，用户的个人收益越高。基于这些结果，可以提供有关如何确保公司和平台所有者的双赢方法的影响，以及对政策制定者的影响。使用该平台的其他公司越多，用户的个人利益就越高。基于这些结果，可以提供有关如何确保公司和平台所有者的双赢方法的影响，以及对政策制定者的影响。使用该平台的其他公司越多，用户的个人利益就越高。基于这些结果，可以提供有关如何确保公司和平台所有者的双赢方法的影响，以及对政策制定者的影响。