The role of collaborative consumption

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Collaborative Consumption
• Definition
• Indicators
• Value shifts
• The new generation
• New marketplaces
• Systems
• Product service systems
• Redistribution markets
• Collaborative lifestyle
• Principles
• Critical mass
• Idling capacity
• Belief in the commons
• Trust between strangers
• Drivers of collaborative consumption
• Peer-to-peer technologies
• Communities
• Price consciousness
• Experience
• Profits
• Environmental concerns

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis investigates whether collaborative consumption will transition from a niche trend to a dominant form of consumption, potentially redefining business practices. It aims to predict this future by analyzing available statistics, articles, and data from a questionnaire distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. The research seeks to provide insights for businesses, inform consumers about new opportunities, and offer researchers new perspectives on consumer behavior in the digital age.

• The evolution of collaborative consumption from a niche to a mainstream phenomenon.
• The key drivers and indicators of collaborative consumption.
• The impact of collaborative consumption on businesses and consumers.
• The role of technology and community in facilitating collaborative consumption.
• The potential long-term effects of collaborative consumption on society and the environment.

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This chapter introduces the research question concerning the potential of collaborative consumption to become the new status quo. It establishes the context by highlighting the significant environmental impact of traditional consumption patterns and the emergence of the internet as a catalyst for new forms of exchange. The chapter outlines the research methodology, combining statistical analysis with a questionnaire survey across three major geographical regions. The threefold justification of the research is elaborated, emphasizing the potential benefits for businesses, consumers, and researchers.

Collaborative Consumption: This chapter provides a comprehensive definition of collaborative consumption, outlining its various forms and encompassing a wide range of industries. It explores key indicators of this trend, including shifts in societal values, the characteristics of new generations, and the development of novel online marketplaces. Different systems of collaborative consumption are identified (product-service systems, redistribution markets, and collaborative lifestyles) along with core principles like the achievement of critical mass, the utilization of idle capacity, the belief in the commons, and trust among strangers. Finally, the chapter delves into several key drivers of collaborative consumption, including peer-to-peer technologies, community building, price sensitivity, the pursuit of experience, profit motives, and environmental concerns.

Keywords

Collaborative consumption, sharing economy, peer-to-peer, access over ownership, sustainability, consumer behavior, digital marketplaces, community, economic models, environmental impact, new generation, value shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions: Collaborative Consumption - A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this document?

This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research thesis investigating the transition of collaborative consumption from a niche trend to a dominant form of consumption. It explores the key drivers, indicators, and impacts of this shift on businesses, consumers, and the environment.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

The thesis explores the evolution of collaborative consumption, its key drivers and indicators, its impact on businesses and consumers, the role of technology and community, and the potential long-term societal and environmental effects. Specific themes include the shift in societal values, the role of new generations, the development of online marketplaces, and the principles of trust and belief in the commons.

What is collaborative consumption?

Collaborative consumption is defined as a wide range of practices where individuals share, swap, barter, or rent resources instead of owning them outright. The document details various systems including product-service systems, redistribution markets, and collaborative lifestyles.

What are the key drivers of collaborative consumption?

Several factors drive collaborative consumption. These include the rise of peer-to-peer technologies, the development of online communities, price consciousness among consumers, the desire for unique experiences, profit motives for businesses, and growing environmental concerns.

What is the methodology used in the research?

The research methodology combines statistical analysis with data collected from a questionnaire distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. This mixed-methods approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

What are the intended audiences for this research?

The research is intended to provide insights for businesses seeking to adapt to changing consumer behavior, inform consumers about new opportunities, and offer researchers new perspectives on consumer behavior in the digital age.

What are the key indicators of collaborative consumption?

Key indicators include shifts in societal values towards sharing and sustainability, the characteristics of new generations who embrace collaborative models, and the emergence of new online marketplaces designed to facilitate these practices.

What are the potential long-term effects of collaborative consumption?

The thesis explores the potential long-term effects of collaborative consumption on society and the environment, considering its potential to redefine business practices and promote sustainability.

What are the main chapters covered in the thesis?

The thesis includes an introduction outlining the research question and methodology, a chapter comprehensively defining collaborative consumption and its drivers, and likely further chapters analyzing the data and drawing conclusions.

What are the keywords associated with this research?

Keywords include: Collaborative consumption, sharing economy, peer-to-peer, access over ownership, sustainability, consumer behavior, digital marketplaces, community, economic models, environmental impact, new generation, value shifts.