This study investigates value-adding competitive factors in blockchain-based platform economies by examining ten smart contract platforms officially listed on the Coinbase exchange in the USA. Market value serves as a basis for analysis, highlighting the distinct characteristics of two primary platform categories: general-purpose and specialized. Platforms like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Avalanche, and Polkadot are characterized by their broad scope and high market value.  These platforms offer diverse services, including smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and non-fungible tokens (NFT), serving as key drivers in expanding the reach and adoption of blockchain technology. The study also examines specialized platforms such as Kusama, Cartesi, VeThor Token, Horizen, and Aergo. These platforms address distinct challenges and niches within the blockchain space. Their value lies in innovative technological solutions tailored to specific needs such as transaction privacy, enterprise integration, and developer accessibility. The analysis reveals significant differences between the two platform categories in terms of operational scale, scope, market positioning, and adaptability. General-purpose platforms prioritize scalability, interoperability, and decentralized governance, supporting a wide array of blockchain applications. Conversely, specialized platforms cultivate active communities within niche market segments, offering targeted solutions that address specific technological requirements. The research concludes that decentralization, transparency, security, interoperability, energy efficiency, tokenization, scalability, and speed are key value-adding factors in blockchain-based platform economies. This book underscores the complementary relationship between general-purpose and specialized blockchain platforms, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the blockchain ecosystem. The findings demonstrate the critical role played by both platform categories in driving the growth and adoption of blockchain technology across diverse industries. Ultimately, this work illuminates the ongoing evolution of blockchain technology and its transformative potential within digital economies.