Launching mobile payment systems in the DACH region. A trend investigation and SWOT analysis based on examples of Chinese providers

Table of Content

1 Introduction

1.1 Research Background & Objective

1.2 Research Structure

2 Theoretical Framework

2.1 Mobile Payment Definition

2.2 Mobile Payment Services in the P2B Market – Overview

2.3 Proximity Mobile Payment Platform– Business Models

2.4 Proximity Mobile Payment – Technologies

2.5 Anatomy of Trends & Innovation Adoption

3 Methodology

3.1 Concept of Trend Investigation

3.2 Concept of SWOT-Analysis

4 Status Quo & Trend Investigation – China vs. DACH Region

4.1 Cultural Aspects

4.2 The Past & the Status Quo in China - Economic & Governmental System

4.3 The Past & the Status Quo in DACH

4.4 Costumer or Trade - The Chicken or Egg Dilemma in DACH

4.5 PMPS Provider Landscape – Google and Apple vs. Local Providers (DACH)

4.6 China vs. DACH Region – A Comparison

5 Discussion of Findings

6 The Résumé via SWOT-Analysis – The Launch of M-Payment in DACH

6.1 Strengths

6.2 Weaknesses

6.3 Opportunities

6.4 Threats

6.5 Conclusion

7 Trend Outlook & Research Proposal – DACH

7.1 Research Limitation

8 Conclusion

Research Objective and Focus

This paper investigates the trend of proximity mobile payment, specifically focusing on the rapid adoption in China compared to the low usage rates in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (DACH region). The research seeks to identify the cultural, economic, and technological barriers hindering adoption in the DACH region and provides a SWOT-analysis to suggest strategies for successful product implementation.

• Comparison of proximity mobile payment markets in China and the DACH region.
• Evaluation of cultural and governmental factors influencing innovation adoption.
• SWOT analysis of mobile payment business models and technology providers.
• Analysis of the "chicken-or-egg" dilemma in local mobile payment markets.
• Development of strategic recommendations for future market entry and implementation.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the mobile business ecosystem, the rise of Fintech, and the research objectives regarding proximity mobile payment systems.

2 Theoretical Framework: Defines mobile payment, explores business models including bank-centric and collaborative approaches, and details NFC and QR code technologies.

3 Methodology: Outlines the research process, incorporating desk and field research alongside the application of the SWOT analysis model for market evaluation.

4 Status Quo & Trend Investigation – China vs. DACH Region: Compares cultural dimensions via Hofstede’s model, analyzes the Chinese political-economic environment, and evaluates the fragmented DACH market.

5 Discussion of Findings: Interprets the market differences, addressing the lack of trust in Western markets and the strategic importance of collaborative innovation.

6 The Résumé via SWOT-Analysis – The Launch of M-Payment in DACH: Synthesizes findings into a formal SWOT structure to highlight strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for mobile payment providers.

7 Trend Outlook & Research Proposal – DACH: Discusses future potential, including AI and voice-controlled payments, and proposes areas for further research.

8 Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity for better education, increased security, and strategic cooperation between banks and Fintechs to move beyond the current stagnation.

Keywords

mobilepayment, proximitypayment, alipay, wechatwallet, fintech, dachregion, china, comparison, trends, cashless, innovation, SWOT, adoption, digitalidentity, NFC

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental topic of this research?

The work examines the development and adoption of proximity mobile payment systems (PMPS) in the DACH region by contrasting it with the highly successful market in China.

What are the primary thematic areas?

The study centers on the role of cultural influences, government involvement, technological infrastructure (NFC vs. QR code), and the business strategies of various payment providers.

What is the core research objective?

The objective is to understand why proximity mobile payment has achieved mass-market success in China while remaining a niche, complex solution in the DACH countries, and to identify potential strategies to overcome these adoption barriers.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The research follows a qualitative, systematic approach, utilizing desk research, literature review, and field research conducted at the Mobile in Retail Conference 2018, synthesized through a SWOT-analysis framework.

What does the main body focus on?

The main body investigates the current status of payment markets, identifying why factors like risk aversion, historical mistrust in financial institutions, and market fragmentation hinder the growth of mobile payments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Which keywords characterize this paper?

Key terms include mobile payment, proximity payment, WeChat Wallet, Alipay, Fintech, DACH region, SWOT, digital identity, NFC, and QR code technology.

How does the Social Credit System (SCS) in China affect mobile payment adoption?

The SCS in China acts as a powerful driver, as the government integrates mobile payment usage into personal credit profiles, which incentivizes citizens to embrace cashless transactions for social and economic benefits.

Why is the adoption of proximity mobile payment currently stagnating in the DACH region?

Stagnation is primarily due to a lack of alignment between banks and technology providers, low consumer trust, high existing acceptance of cash and card-based systems, and the "chicken-or-egg" dilemma regarding infrastructure availability and consumer demand.