Data item
Published: 27 May 2026
Platform economy versus platform work: a framework
This infographic maps the criteria used to distinguish platform work from other activities within the broader digital economy. To qualify, an activity must involve an exchange of labour services rather than capital, actively match supply and demand, and be performed for pay at the request of a specific recipient. By applying these specific filters, the framework screens out activities like online selling, asset renting, and self-initiated content creation to precisely identify genuine platform workers.
Info graphic
Platform economy versus platform work: a framework
Source: Authors
Related content
This data item featured in the following outputs.
Research report
28 May 2026
This report analyses the working conditions and information needs of online platform workers based on a survey of 3 830 workers across 15 EU Member States. Unlike existing research focused on on-location platform work, this study examines workers who provide services entirely online. The findings reveal a workforce that is predominantly male, of prime working age and highly educated, primarily delivering skilled professional services rather than microtasks.