ADDRESSING DATA GAPS

There is a major gap in understanding by local governments about how the Sharing Economy impacts city priorities, which inhibits interest and innovation by cities and somewhat constrains independent research. Sharing Economy businesses are generally reluctant to share data citing concerns over privacy and competition, although there are some exceptions. ​

Key recommendations to advance urban sustainability:

  • Prioritize Sharing Economy research and forge partnerships to fund this research.

  • Require data sharing when negotiating regulatory agreements..
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  • Continue to rely on data scraping as an interim measure where legally defensible

  • Explore giving preferential access to city markets for Sharing Economy businesses that share relevant data and/or designing  local “carrot and stick” systems.​​
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  • ​Participate in, and ideally, cultivate, collaborations of public and private sectors to discuss Sharing Economy topics, including data sharing. 

What to watch out for:

  • Stifling    positive    innovation    by    expecting    Sharing    Economy businesses to shoulder too much of the burden for data sharing or research, particularly start-ups.​