Individual-contextual determinants of entrepreneurial service provision in the platform-based collaborative economy
Av
Birgit Leick
Martin Falk
Mehtap Eklund
Evgueni Vinogradov
Local communities
Academic article
Utgiver:
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research
Year published:
2022
Sider:
853-877
Issue:
4
Structured abstract Purpose: This article examines the nature of service provision in the platform-based collaborative economy from the perspective of entrepreneurship theories. It departs from a knowledge gap about the individual and contextual determinants of service provision through digital platforms. By exploring these determinants for service provision in two main sectors of the collaborative economy, transportation and accommodation, the study provides a first conceptual introduction of these activities and their nature for the existing entrepreneurship research. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis is based upon Eurobarometer microdata (2018), covering 28 European countries with about 27,000 observations, and uses a seemingly unrelated Probit model. Findings: The likelihood of service provision through platforms in the collaborative economy is highest for individuals aged 25-34 years but decreases continuously with age. Occupation, sex, and population density of the place of residence are other relevant determinants. In contrast, the regulatory system and GDP per capita of the region are not relevant. Research implications: The findings illuminate the under-studied individual and contextual determinants related to individuals engaging in entrepreneurial activities in the collaborative economy. Future research should investigate the role of previous self-employment, skills, and spatial context. Practical implications: The collaborative economy is still a marginal sector in Europe that is likely to grow bigger. Particularly the young, highly educated, entrepreneurial persons located in urban regions may spur this expected growth. Supporting policy measures aimed at this social stratum might foster digital entrepreneurship and contribute to growth in the digital economy. Keywords: Collaborative economy, service provision, digital platforms, digital entrepreneurship, seemingly unrelated Probit model