Introduction to Understanding the Urban Sharing Economy

Summary, in English

With increasing urbanisation, cities face unique sustainability challenges and opportunities. The sharing economy emerges as a promising solution that can foster more efficient and circular use of urban resources through car sharing, accommodation rentals and the sharing of physical goods. It scrutinises traditional notions of consumption and ownership, business and community interaction. Digital technology has also facilitated the spread of the sharing economy, enabling global, regional and local peer-to-peer exchanges of goods, services, and experiences. Yet, critical questions have been raised about the sustainability and long-term impacts of the sharing economy. This chapter delves into these questions, exploring the potential environmental benefits and social cohesion emphasised by sharing economy organisations. At the same time, it also highlights concerns regarding the unequal distribution of economic benefits, regulatory challenges, and negative externalities. Addressing these concerns calls for policies and regulations that ensure the sustainability and positive long-term impact of the sharing economy on cities.

• Author: Oksana Mont; Yuliya Voytenko Palgan
• Editor: Oksana Mont
• Department/s: The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
• Publishing year: 2025
• Language: English
• Pages: 2-23
• Publication/Series: Understanding the Urban Sharing Economy
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.4337/9781035320547.00010
• Document type: Book chapter
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
• Topic: Human Geography; Economic Geography
• Keywords: For-profits; Municipal governance; Non-profit; Peer-to-peer exchanges; Sharing economy; Urban sustainability
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISBN: 9781035320547; ISBN: 9781035320530