Exaptation in Platforms: A Theory of Origins, Mechanisms, and Consequences

We recognize information technology (IT) evolution’s importance but have barely broached its underlying mechanisms. We return to IT evolution’s root metaphor in evolutionary biology to identify two mechanisms: gradual refinement (“adaptation”) and unforeseen functionality (“exaptation”). The latter is ubiquitous, yet unrecognized. IT exaptation is novel app functionality emerging from interacting with evolving technological and competitive environments. Adaptation refines, but exaptation metamorphoses apps. Real options embedded in app design fuel exaptation—our theory’s central mechanism. Data from 625 AndroidOS apps spanning nine years and 63 countries support our theory. We introduce exaptation as adaptation’s evolutionary counterpart and link it to real options, explaining how app design choices drive market performance and sustain userbase.

History: Yulin Fang, Senior Editor; Robert Gregory, Associate Editor.