An Inclusive Sharing Economy

Authors

Lily E. Kim, Former Intern, BSR

The sharing economy is transforming the way people access goods and services by matching people who need these items with those willing to provide them. For millions of people, the sharing economy is making it easier and more affordable to access goods and services than through traditional models. However, many other people are not able to take full advantage of the potential benefits and face a new set of risks in the sharing economy.

This paper, sponsored by The Rockefeller Foundation, seeks to promote an inclusive sharing economy, which unleashes new business opportunities that expand access to goods and services for low-income and underserved communities. It also aims to catalyze greater collaboration among sharing economy companies, governments, civil society, and the wider business community.

The research included a series of expert interviews, a review of the latest academic literature and media perspectives on the sharing economy, and two convenings with leading thinkers and sharing economy companies in November 2015 and May 2016 to explore challenges and opportunities in building a more inclusive sharing economy.