An Analysis of the Demand-Side, Platform-Based Collaborative Economy: Creation of a Clear Classification Taxonomy

Tünde Zita Kovács, Forest David, Adrián Nagy, István Szűcs and Andras Nabradi
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Tünde Zita Kovács: Institute of Applied Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Forest David: Institute of Applied Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Adrián Nagy: Institute of Applied Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
István Szűcs: Institute of Applied Economic Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-20

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of the demand-side, platform-based collaborative economy and its various forms have been an aspect of everyday life for over a decade. However, despite the platform’s popularity, the descriptions and names attributed to the demand-side, platform-based collaborative economy are often used interchangeably and can be ambiguous, resulting in confusion among researchers and practitioners. This study examines the articles published during the previous ten years, which have aimed not only to define, but also to classify, the collaborative economy according to various criteria. After reviewing the existing classification criteria, this article presents a clearer taxonomy of the multiple forms of the collaborative economy by distinguishing service providers’ groups on their respective attributes. Our review and analysis have both theoretical and practical importance. Regarding the latter, our research will help managers and government officials alike in rethinking the taxation and subsidizing policies related to the various demand-side, platform-based collaborative economies and in preparing national and international consultations and conventions. This study aims to define the demand-side, platform-based collaborative economy and integrate the concept into various economic activities, providing a new and valuable contribution to the literature.

Keywords: platform-based economy; sharing economy; collaborative economy; collaborative consumption; demand-side (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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