COST Action CA16121 - From Sharing to Caring: Examining Socio-Technical Aspects of the Collaborative Economy

Title: COST Action CA16121 - From Sharing to Caring: Examining Socio-Technical Aspects of the Collaborative Economy

Coordinator: Paulo Melo (MC Member)

Dates start/end: 03/2017 / 03/2021

Entity: COST- European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Site: http://sharingandcaring.eu/

Synopsis

The terms “Sharing Economy” or “Collaborative Economy” have been commonly used in recent years to refer to a proliferation of initiatives, business models and forms of work.

The specific aims of the action are:

• To develop a deeper understanding of the collaborative economy phenomenon in all its aspects, by studying in-depth the sociotechnical systems and human practices involved, comparing and reflecting upon local, regional, national and international initiatives;
• To discuss and critique elements of the current discourse on the collaborative economy, and proposing a richer definition and characterisation of the phenomenon;
• To formulate a European research agenda for the socio-technical aspects of the collaborative economy, including specifically the design of future technological platforms, the technical infrastructure, their legal, ethical and financial implications;
• To articulate a European research perspective on the collaborative economy, based on EU values of social innovation, and in line with the Europe 2020 strategy objective to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy by 2020.

The action will produce online resources including publications offering a comprehensive view of the current European collaborative economy and socio-technical and policy recommendations for the future.