The goal of this study is to explore evidence for a Matthew effect in system embeddedness. The secondary objective is to understand the relationship between the Matthew effect and (1) a “criticality trap,” a situation where excess inertia leaves an organization trapped in a system or (2) a “redundancy slip,” where low embeddedness leads to system discontinuance. Through two case studies, we provide robust evidence for all three effects. In a media firm, we use nine years of panel data to demonstrate cubic growth in system embeddedness. In a manufacturing firm, we validate that the Matthew effect can lead to a criticality trap, but we also show that some systems experience a redundancy slip. Our practical insights are crucial for identifying and managing embedded systems in digital infrastructures. The Matthew effect is a powerful mechanism driving the evolution of systems and, consequently, digital infrastructures.
