Platform economy repository

Platforms are digital networks that coordinate transactions, both commercial, such as the provision of goods and services for payment, and non-commercial, such as volunteering activities or social media. The activity of platforms collectively is typically referred to as the platform economy. This economy began to emerge in Europe in the mid-2000s, driven by technological, economic and societal developments and is rapidly expanding in scale and scope. Out of it has emerged a new business model and a new form of employment – platform work, defined as the matching of supply and demand for paid labour through an online platform.

As of March 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak started to have a serious impact on the world economy. The consequences for platform workers are especially severe in light of forced work stoppages due to self-isolation and lack of sick pay in many cases. Read more in the article below:

• Article: Coronavirus highlights sick pay void for platform workers

What does platform work mean to you?

Platform work is expected to grow, but there is widespread concern about the quality of work and employment of the workers involved in it. Platform work is also clearly challenging existing regulatory and institutional frameworks, and its effects on the economy and society are uncertain. These issues have made platform work the subject of intensive discussion among policymakers and academics, who are exploring the characteristics of the platform economy, its potential effects and how to tackle the negative consequences it may have. Their work is generating a wealth of information, but it is challenging to stay abreast of research findings and initiatives.

Eurofound’s online repository aims to provide a solution by making information on the platform economy and platform work in Europe and beyond accessible in a user-friendly way. The different types of documents are organised into separate sections, and users can browse through the sections or use the search function to look for specific information. Users can also set up subscriptions and alerts to be notified about new publications on specific topics.

Research carried out prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020, and published subsequently, may include data relating to the 28 EU Member States. Following this date, research only takes into account the 27 EU Member States (EU28 minus the UK), unless specified otherwise .