Future of the Sharing Economy
Here is an audio recording of last night’s Future of the Sharing Economy panel organized by Be Social Change at ?What If! Innovation with Airbnb NYC, Sailo, MiLES, Meetup, and Foossa (that’s me):
Listen on Soundcloud
And here is ?What If!’s Medium recap of the event.
Future of the Sharing Economy Panel — 22 September 2015
Organized by Be Social Change
Special thanks to our hosts ?What If! Innovation and to sponsors Airbnb, Runa, Kopali Chocolates, and Edward and Sons
From cars and music to accommodations and staffing, it’s never been easier for anyone with an excess capacity of goods and services to maximize their resources through collaborative consumption. Commonly referred to as The Sharing Economy, these transactions minimize waste and environmental impact, save costs, cut down barriers to entry, and increase productivity in a mutual give-and-receive exchange.
Expected to grow from $15 billion to $335 billion in revenue from 2013 to 2025, The Sharing Economy is positioned to disrupt traditional renting sectors like automotive and hotels. This potential for growth has attracted entrepreneurs and corporations alike, but how does it trickle down and increase opportunities and returns for individuals at every level of the exchange? And when are words like “community” and “sharing” disguising purely profit-driven transactions, a strategy coined as ‘WeWashing’?
With thought leaders from across the sector, this panel discussion will delve into the opportunities and challenges that come with collective collaboration. We’ll highlight the distinction between the Access Economy — where consumers are primarily interested in low costs and convenience — and an authentic Sharing Economy, rooted in trust and the strengthening of communities, and explore when, how, and if The Sharing Economy can be a source of empowerment.
Moderator:
Marcos Salazar, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Be Social Change
Panelists:
Melissa O’Young, Head of NY Community, Airbnb
Delphine Braas, Cofounder, Marketing & Business Development, Sailo
Odile Beniflah, Head of International, Meetup
Eric Ho, Founder, miLES
Lee-Sean Huang, Co-Founder / Creative Director, Foossa
