THE SHARING ECONOMY
Airbnb, Social Dining and Sidecar: swapping instead of buying – we take a look at how this new form of economic activity, the so-called "sharing economy", is developing in different countries around the world.
What is the secret behind the success and appeal of the "sharing economy"? With underlying motives ranging from sustainability to economics, new business models and – potentially – an alternative culture of consumption and community are emerging all over the world. Consumers are becoming users and the internet is playing a key role here. We travel to Germany and France, the United States and South Korea and discover various models for a sharing economy. How do they work? Is sharing really caring? In San Francisco, we take a look at a particularly successful start-up: Airbnb, a website on which private individuals can book and rent out private accommodation worldwide. Even in the mega-city of Seoul, politicians believe in the positive effects of the sharing economy, for example with house-sharing concepts. Worldwide, the sharing economy is being promoted or prevented by governments. One thing appears certain: as a consequence of the digital revolution, it will fundamentally change the way we live and consume.