The Economic Value of Digital Technologies: Estimating the Relationship between Online Meeting Services and Travel Cost

Abstract

This study investigates the economic impact of online meeting services on reducing business travel costs. By leveraging proprietary data from platform T alongside survey results, the analysis quantifies the relationship between the frequency of online meeting sessions and reductions in travel expenditures. A theoretical framework rooted in the SaaS (Software as a Service) model underscores the study, emphasizing the unique characteristics of digital products such as decreasing marginal costs and economies of scale. Econometric analyses reveal both linear and nonlinear correlations, with findings highlighting the platform’s significant contributions to travel cost reductions and efficiency improvements across various sectors and scenarios. The research provides actionable insights into the value of digital products, aiding enterprises in optimizing their digital transformation strategies.

Keywords

Digital economy / SaaS model / online meeting / travel cost reduction / efficiency improvement

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Systems Engineering Society of China and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany