In recent years, there has been a significant growth of an interest in the gig economy built upon the premise of online platforms that connect customers with service suppliers.
Platform work brings more opportunities to traditional businesses by closely connecting suppliers and customers and reducing transaction frictions. COVID-19-induced lockdowns only advance the spread of delivery via platforms, since some sectors (such as ride-sharing) have expanded their operations into delivery of meals and produce from local restaurants and stores, to which access is restricted due to nationwide lockdowns. In addition, platform work offers more means of prosperity not only for those seeking more work-related flexibility and additional income, but also for those who directly suffered financial losses due to the lockdowns.
Read full text here. The original text is published in 4Liberty Review No.14.
