The theory of access replacing ownership on the example of spotify

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1. Introduction
  • 1.2. Significance of the research issue
  • 1.3. Structure of the thesis
• 2. "HOW IT USED TO BE"
  • 2.1. The relevance of ownership and property
  • 2.2. The recording industry and its devices
• 3. "HOW IT IS"
  • 3.1. Effects of digitalisation on the recording industry
    • 3.1.1. Background of digital music
    • 3.1.2. Music distribution on the Internet
  • 3.2. The digital natives
    • 3.2.1. Digital natives and digital immigrants
    • 3.2.2. Demands and values of the Net Generation
    • 3.2.3. The importance of networking and communities
    • 3.2.4. Consuming habits
  • 3.3. Spotify
    • 3.3.1. Business model
    • 3.3.2. Technology & Mobile
    • 3.3.3. Features & Community
    • 3.3.4. Finance
    • 3.3.5. Competitors on the international market
  • 3.4. Spotify and its users
    • 3.4.1. Depiction of the survey and the samples
    • 3.4.2. General usage of the programme
    • 3.4.3. Music consumption and ownership
• 4. "HOW IT WILL BE"
  • 4.1. Access replaces ownership
    • 4.1.1. The new era of access
    • 4.1.2. Shared ownership
    • 4.1.3. The rules of the new economy
  • 4.2. Spotify and the age of access
    • 4.2.1. Music as a public good
    • 4.2.2. Spotify as a model of access
    • 4.2.3 Music and identity
• 5. PROSPECTS & CONCLUSION
  • 5.1. Discussion
    • 5.1.1. The Swedish model
    • 5.1.2. Aspects of the age of access

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The thesis examines the shift from ownership to access in the context of the digital music industry, using Spotify as a case study. It investigates the changing demands of "digital natives" and the implications of this shift on the recording industry's business model.

• The evolving concept of ownership and property in the digital age
• The impact of digitalization on the recording industry
• The characteristics and consumption habits of "digital natives"
• The business model of Spotify and its implications for the future of music consumption
• The emergence of access as a dominant paradigm in the digital economy

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1 introduces the research question and outlines the structure of the thesis. It emphasizes the significance of understanding the shift from ownership to access, particularly in the context of the digital music industry.
• Chapter 2 examines the traditional concepts of ownership and property and their relevance to the recording industry. It discusses the historical evolution of the industry and its reliance on physical formats and ownership models.
• Chapter 3 explores the impact of digitalization on the recording industry. It discusses the rise of digital music, the emergence of online distribution platforms, and the characteristics of the "digital natives" who represent the target audience of these platforms. The chapter also provides an in-depth analysis of Spotify, examining its business model, technology, features, financial performance, and competitive landscape.
• Chapter 4 focuses on the notion of access replacing ownership. It explores the new era of access, the concept of shared ownership, and the implications for the digital economy. The chapter discusses how Spotify embodies the principles of access, with music becoming a "public good" rather than a commodity to be owned.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The central keywords for this thesis include: digital natives, music industry, ownership, access, digitalization, Spotify, business model, consumer behavior, property, shared ownership, and the digital economy. These terms encapsulate the key concepts and themes explored in the work, highlighting the shift from ownership to access in the context of digital music consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theory of "access replacing ownership"?

It is an economic paradigm shift where consumers, especially "digital natives," prefer having access to content (like music streaming) over owning physical or digital copies.

How has Spotify changed the recording industry?

Spotify introduced a business model based on advertisement and subscriptions, offering unlimited access to music, which challenges traditional sales of CDs and digital downloads.

Who are the "digital natives" mentioned in the thesis?

Digital natives are the generation that grew up with the internet; their consumption habits prioritize networking, community features, and instant access over property.

Is music becoming a "public good" because of streaming?

The thesis discusses how music in the age of access is treated less like a private commodity and more like a public utility or shared resource.

Can the findings of this Spotify study be applied to other industries?

Yes, the shift from ownership to access can be generalized to any industry offering digital entertainment or information content, such as film or software.