Emergence of the Sharing Economy: Definitions, Institutions, Implications for Management Research

In this panel symposium, we aim to stimulate a rich discussion on the definition, regulation, and research implications of the Sharing Economy (SE). SE platforms such as Airbnb, Blablacar, and Uber have recently disrupted the competitive landscape across a range of industries, where participants routinely share commodities such as spare rooms, cars, tools, and even food with fellow participants. The value proposition of these platforms brings significant economic, environmental, and entrepreneurial benefits in efficiency, sustainability, and social cohesion in a way that was previously not feasible. In markets entered by SE platforms, concerns also have been raised as to safety, health, consumer protection, worker's rights, unfair competition, and limited liability of these sharing practices. National governments and municipalities face a dilemma between not smothering this innovative phenomenon by excessive, ill-suited, and outdated regulation on the one hand, and protecting the public welfare from fraud, liability, and unskilled service of these practices on the other hand. We aim to explore this dilemma by discussing (1) the definition of Sharing Economy and whether SE really is about sharing; (2) whether policy makers need to intervene, or if industry self-regulation is adequate for now; and (3) which theoretical perspectives from management, economics, strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship can help to explain the nature, emergence, and growth of the SE.