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Abstract
Background
The predominant focus of academic research on the sharing economy has been on Airbnb
and Uber; to this extent, the diversity of business models ascribed to the sharing
economy has not yet been sufficiently explored. Greater conceptual and empirical research
is needed to increase understanding of business models in the sharing economy, particularly
attributes that deliver on its purported sustainability potential.
Objective
We aimed to elaborate an improved sharing economy business modelling tool intended
to support the design and implementation of sharing economy business models (SEBMs)
with improved sustainability performance.
Methods
We used a structured approach to business modelling, morphological analysis, to articulate
relevant business model attributes. Our analysis was informed by a narrative literature
review of business and platform models in the sharing economy. We also iteratively
tested, refined, and evaluated our analysis through three structured opportunities
for feedback.
Results
The output of the morphological analysis was a sharing economy business modelling
tool for sustainability, with stipulated preconditions and descriptions of all business
model attributes.
Conclusion
The sharing economy is not sustainable by default, so we must be strategic and deliberate
in how we design and implement SEBMs. The sharing economy business modelling tool
should be of interest not only to researchers and practitioners, but also to advocacy
organisations and policymakers who are concerned about the sustainability performance
of sharing platforms.