Digital platforms in the context of industry 4.0 are considered to have numerous potentials. However, implementing and operating those pose some challenges, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. This article analyzes the challenges of digital platforms using qualitative-empirical interviews with 83 experts from small and medium-sized German industrial enterprises. The results reveal that, among others, challenges exist in terms of trust, competitiveness, and coordination effort. From the results, strategic recommendations can be derived about how small and medium-sized companies can face the challenges in order to leverage the potential of digital platforms.
