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

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.