Business Futures: The Sharing Economy

The Sharing Economy is a 21st Century phenomenon that many have participated in, but few really fully understand. Currently a big marketing trend, sharing as a type of business exchange is the disruptive type of entrepreneurship that has shaken the status quo in accommodation, transportation, the services sector and media and entertainment. And like many disruptive processes it continues to evolve. This course will give you a thorough introduction to the sharing economy – the backstory, who shares, who cares and what you might merely access rather than own tomorrow. Learn the history of the sharing economy To start we’ll look at the emergence of the sharing economy - focusing on how and why it grew so rapidly and what effect it had on established business. You will learn from example as the course introduces you to early adopters and entrepreneurs who took a chance that the idea they shared would resonate with their peers and create value in a shared marketplace. Explore the present-day sharing economy We’ll then move to investigating and evaluating the current sharing economy examining: Who is driving it now What the problems are What the implications are for participants, the environment and the regular economy Understand your part in the sharing economy By the end of the course, you will also understand the implications of the sharing economy for new businesses, for consumer choice, even how to join to snare your share. Whether you want to improve your job prospects, help your boss or your business, or simply to be better equipped to make a knowledgeable contribution to the conversation - this course will leave you well versed and ready to participate in the sharing economy.