Motion for a resolution | Doc. 14355 | 27 June 2017

The societal impact of the “platform economy”

Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

Major technological changes always have profound impact on economy and society. The integration of digital technologies into business functions (production, commerce and services) has been an important societal development for a couple of decades now.

More recently, the growth of firms in various service sectors (offering short-term accommodation – e.g. Airbnb or taxiing services – e.g. Uber in medium and large cities) has been particularly strong, challenging traditional economic sectors, work regulations, competition, in a number of public policy sectors (e.g. housing, public transport, urban planning).

While bringing new opportunities for users of these services, the exponential growth of these firms (the so-called “platform economy”) calls for adjustments to legislation and public policies. In a number of European countries and major cities, some regulations and policy measures have already been put in place to further the positive aspects of these developments and minimise its inconveniencies. However, a co-ordinated European approach to these issues is missing.

The Assembly should take stock of developments in this field in order to promote good practices.