Shared Economy

Definition

The shared economy, also known as the sharing economy, is an economic model that enables the joint consumption of resources by sharing or renting out access to products and services instead of owning them. This promotes efficient use of existing resources and reduces overcapacity.

Background

The shared economy has gained in importance due to digital transformation and the spread of Internet and smartphone technologies. Platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft use this technology to coordinate supply and demand in real time and reach a broad user base.

Areas of application

The shared economy model is used in various sectors such as mobility, accommodation, financial services, and even in the industrial sector, where companies share equipment and machinery to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Benefits

The benefits of the shared economy include improved use of resources, lower costs for consumers and providers, and a reduction in the environmental footprint through the more efficient use of existing resources. It also promotes an economy oriented towards the common good.

Challenges

The challenges of the shared economy include regulatory issues, ensuring quality and security, protecting privacy and the fair distribution of income generated by the platforms. Solutions to this require innovative regulatory approaches and technological developments.

Examples

An example from the industry of the shared economy could be the joint use of rarely used and highly specialized manufacturing equipment by several companies via a Self-service portal. This reduces investment and maintenance expenses for individual companies.

Summary

The shared economy is revolutionizing traditional economic models by promoting shared access to resources rather than individual ownership. It offers both economic and environmental benefits and reflects a trend towards more sustainable consumer behavior.