Analysis of Sharing Economy Services:Initial Findings from Sharing Cities Sweden

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze different types of sharing economy services. The sharing economy is a wide concept where many types of activities and services can be included. Overall we aim to identify recurrent patterns but also similarities and differences between different types of sharing services. We discuss a multitude of different services, e.g. car pools, bike pools, sharing of tools and equipment, sharing of land for farming, sharing of parking and homes, and co-working spaces. It is a mix of different set ups regarding if it is commercial or community driven, type of service provider, usage fee or for free, open or closed access. We look into drivers for different types of actors to use different types of sharing. In addition we look into how sharing services are offered and the platform implications. We study a set of sharing services in cities in Sweden. Primary data is collected from interviews with providers of sharing services and representatives of cities. Using an existing framework, we look into

Traditional and Developing Segments of the Sharing Economy from the Point of View of Customers

“…cleaning, childminding, looking after and caring for pets or repairs) (Ferrell at al., 2017;Zhang et al, 2019);  sharing work or time (e.g. occasional work while employed, consultancy) (Ferrell et al, 2017;Markendahl et al, 2018);  sharing finances (loans and investment) (Leone & Schiavone, 2018;Wei & Lin, 2017);  sharing insurance (Milanova & Maas, 2017);  shared education (e.g. language preparation or textbooks) (Geissinger et al, 2019;Markendahl et al, 2018);  shared entertainment (e.g.…”

Is the Meaning of the “Sharing Economy” Shared Among Us? Comparing the Perspectives of Japanese and Swedish Researchers

“…He emphasises that some researchers tend to use these concepts interchangeably when they are in fact talking about very different phenomena. Thus, such a position is normative in that it recognises the potential of certain practices in terms of a sustainable future, often in combination with a circular economy [ 43 , 45 , 59 , 63 , 68 ], but regards other practices as mere “share-washing” [ 66 , 69 ].…”

The Role of Cities in the Sharing Economy: Exploring Modes of Governance in Urban Sharing Practices

“…Across the globe, cities have taken different approaches to the sharing economy, with regard to both its opportunities and challenges. Developments are emerging from collaborative initiatives such as the 'sharing cities' network, culminating in November 2018 with a Sharing Cities Declaration [10]. In Sweden, the sharing economy has been described as fairly under-developed as compared to other countries [15].…”

“…Key factors include high levels of employment, innovative entrepreneurship, specialisation in IT and communication services, use of internet and mobile phones, and strong public interest in sustainability related matters [18]. This is reflected in the mapping and analysis of sharing services and initiatives in Swedish cities provided by Markendahl et al [10], as well as in the constant increase of digital sharing platforms operating within national borders. A 2016 survey undertaken by Nordea also showed an annual increase in sharing economy 'users' of 3%, reaching approximately 13% of the Swedish population [18].…”

“…Other cities take a much more proactive role by shaping the new sharing initiatives. Examples of the latter involve the establishment of tool libraries or tool pools where people may borrow tools at no or low cost [9,10]. In this article, we will analyse the different roles local governments have taken in the sharing economy in four Swedish cities.…”