The Feasibility of Platform Cooperatives in the Gig Economy
1. Meaning Platform cooperatives are digital platforms that are owned and governed by their workers or users , rather than by external shareholders or venture capital investors. They apply traditional cooperative principles—democratic ownership, shared profits, collective decision-making—to digital marketplaces such as ride-hailing, food delivery, freelancing, and home services. In contrast to investor-owned platforms like Uber or Airbnb , platform cooperatives prioritize worker welfare, equitable revenue distribution, and community value over profit maximization. The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term contracts, freelance work, and task-based employment mediated by digital platforms. 2. Introduction The rapid expansion of the gig economy has transformed global labor markets. Digital platforms connect millions of workers and customers, offering flexibility and income opportunities. However, this model has also generated concerns: job insecurit...