Open innovation and multi-homing of delivery platforms: comparative study of Cardiff, Daegu and Nanjing

This study aims to answer the following research question: What is the difference in the open innovation and multi-homing of the smart delivery industry among Cardiff, Daegu, and Nanjing according to the maturity of the restaurant industry of the capitalist economies they belong to?

By comparing open innovation and multi-homing of delivery platforms of the three cities representing different alongside the maturity of the restaurant industry in capitalist economies, the evaluation dynamics and focal points of the delivery platform industry, this study is based on an interview method in combination with participatory observation of deliverers, customers and restaurants of the three cities: (1) Cardiff with matured restaurant industry; (2) Daegu with an unmatured restaurant industry; (3) Nanjing with the growth of the restaurant industry. The findings of this research are as follows: (1) Existing industries can disturb the growth of the delivery platform industry; (2) Multi-homing motivates a high labour state of deliverers, the acceptance of restaurants by customers and customer surplus; (3) Motivating open innovation in delivery platforms can maintain a high level after maturity stage. The study concludes that the balance between open innovation and the multi-homing of a three-sided delivery platform is the way to sustainable development to conquer the effects of the gig economy.