UNEVOC Connect

The platform economy refers to the economic activity generated by online platforms, including platforms matching the supply of and demand for paid labour (such as Uber), materials or capital; sales platforms (such as eBay); accommodation platforms (such as Airbnb); financial services platforms; and non-commercial platforms involving volunteering, networking, social media (such as LinkedIn) or any other form of unpaid transaction (such as Couchsurfing, for free accommodation).

The platform economy is one of the most significant manifestations of the changes induced by digitalization. An important component of the platform economy is digital labour platforms, which include location-based platforms, where the services are provided by individuals in a specific location, and online platforms, where workers provide their services remotely. Its growth over the past decades has opened up new markets for businesses and created new employment and income opportunities, offering flexibility for some workers and characterized by low entry barriers. It has also significantly transformed how work is organized and performed, with challenges in ensuring that workers on platforms have access to decent work.