Читать книгу Sharing Economy and Big Data Analytics - Soraya Sedkaoui - Страница 38

The concept of a sharing economy is becoming increasingly important and is being finely integrated into societies. Although not explicitly used, it is implicitly practiced because it is based on social relations and religious ethics in most cases.

The new production method that characterizes sharing is independent of the price that has governed business transactions to date. It is more efficient than price-based and government-funded systems (Benkler 2004). The success of sharing practices is attributed to the fact that they are carried out between individuals who are unrelated (in other words, individuals who do not know each other), but who still form an effective large-scale exchange system (Benkler 2004).

As far as the sharing economy is considered an economic model, what will be the implications of this economy? The scientific debate on the implications of the shared economy is based on issues such as new business models, new challenges in the tax system, changing production models, productivity growth and labor market changes (Grifoni et al. 2018).

In response to this interpellation, it can be said that the consequences of the sharing economy are related to social, economic and technological aspects. The sharing economy potential can be a factor in socio-economic development. Indeed:

[The sharing economy] also plays an important role, because after several decades of disappointing economic growth and unemployment for hundreds of millions of people, consumers are looking for the lowest possible costs, which the sharing economy enables, and as a result, the number of people willing to participate as suppliers is increasing.

Furthermore, technological advances have played a crucial role in supporting the development of sharing platforms, payment processing and have also provided all parties with sufficient knowledge to carry out transactions. (Institut d’assurance 2017)

The sharing economy already enjoys a good reputation among American consumers. A survey conducted by PwC¹ states that 89% of them believe that it is based on trust between the participants in the exchange. About 83% believe that it makes life easier. About 76% believe that it contributes to protecting the environment. About 78% believe that it strengthens the cohesion and strength of the community. And finally, 63% say that collaboration in this economy is more pleasant than with companies (PwC 2015).

In general, a sharing economy approach reduces the ecological footprint and waste of the urban population, allowing them to save money. It also represents chances for job creation and business opportunities. It helps to strengthen and encourage social cohesion, social capital and innovation. It also helps to reduce the cost of education and research (Cooper and Timmer 2015).

The relevance of the sharing economy lies in the opportunities it offers, without however being free of potential risks.

So, what are these opportunities that are likely to appeal to the business world in particular?