Why SeSECC
Key features of the sharing economy
The sharing economy, also known as the collaborative economy, P2P economy, and on-demand economy, is a new socio-economic model that describes digitally coordinated economic activities carried out via Internet platforms and mobile applications, connecting those who have with those who need. The successes of companies like Uber and Airbnb at the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century brought this concept into the focus of the scientific, professional, and public policies.
What does the Sharing Economy bring
The impacts and effects of the sharing economy are numerous, but they are still not clear and well-defined. The development of the sharing economy is uneven, and countries that have recognized the potential of this economic model and established coordination mechanisms show significantly higher indicators (employment, income, etc.) and a greater number of platforms. According to preliminary research in the Republic of Serbia, there are more than fifty sharing economy platforms, with approximately 15% of residents using collaborative platforms in the accommodation sector and 8% in the transportation sector. These platforms are established based on the practices of successful global providers, not only adopting their business models but also encountering similar problems. These innovative systems face challenges such as a lack of knowledge and competence regarding the characteristics of business models, issues related to the necessary data for better profiling of participants and markets, regulatory disorder, and insufficient collaboration among different participants, as well as between science and business.
“Unlocking” the potential of the sharing economy requires the combined efforts of all interested parties, with mediators playing a key role in bridging the gap between science and public policies. Their role is to enhance the capacity of all stakeholders through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, facilitating networking among relevant actors. The objective is to identify and activate technological, social, and regulatory potentials and overcome the challenges associated with the development of the sharing economy in the Republic of Serbia.
SeSEEC serves as a digital hub of knowledge – a digital library encompassing relevant research conducted within national frameworks and examples of best practices worldwide. It aims to create a sustainable instrument for monitoring the development of the sharing economy in Serbia.
SeSEEC positions itself at the center of the helix – facilitating networking within the academic community and establishing cooperation with state and civil society institutions at both the national and local levels, with the goal of establishing sustainable partnerships.
SeSEEC also operates as an educational center – organizing development-oriented training sessions for technical, business, and managerial skills in the field of the sharing economy. It provides continuous support to interested parties for the evaluation and improvement of their existing practices.
Initial plans
The initial activities of the Center are directed towards conducting extensive field research on the sharing economy within national frameworks. This research will involve all relevant actors in the ecosystem, with a specific focus on the core of the sharing economy: the ‘service provider-platform-user’ relationship.
