Mobile applications as a communication tool and the new political economy: Developing a growth and competition analysis model for domestic applications

This thesis aims to develop a comprehensive "growth and competition analysis model" to guide the growth and competitive strategies of domestically developed mobile applications in Türkiye. From a theoretical standpoint, the study examines the ecosystem of mobile applications as a new media tool within the framework of the political economy of the new media and platform economy. It analyzes the role of digital platforms in commodifying data for capital accumulation, the transformation of user labor into economic value, their position in the production–consumption cycle, and the dynamics of global monopolization. Three research techniques were employed: a survey, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Hypotheses and research questions were formulated for each method. The survey data were analyzed using reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, Bartlett's Test of Sphericity, correlation analysis, and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure. Within the scope of document analysis, data related to the digital media and mobile application sectors, obtained from analytical tools and industry reports, were systematically examined and presented in tabular form. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic and relational analysis techniques with the aid of MAXQDA. The analyses revealed that the key determinants shaping the growth and competitiveness of domestic mobile applications include user-centered development and design processes, data-driven decision-making, diversified marketing and competition strategies, robust technical infrastructure, effective ecosystem integration, local empowerment, and sustainable revenue models. To construct the model, findings from each research method were reanalyzed in MAXQDA to identify focal points and processes. The resulting model was structured around five components: inputs, supporting factors, processes, outputs, and strategic approaches/theories. It was visually represented using a flowchart diagram to illustrate its logical flow and relational structure. This study seeks to provide a practical and theoretical reference framework for domestic mobile application developers, policymakers, and academic researchers, serving both as a roadmap for practice and a contribution to the scholarly literature.