Study to monitor the business environment and regulatory environment affecting the collaborative economy in the EU [1]

"This study assesses the business environment affecting the collaborative economy across six themes (accommodation, transport, finance, public administration, business support and alignment) in the 28 EU Member States. The study has established indicators to measure the main features affecting the development of the collaborative economy. It has developed a “Collaborative Economy Index” to benchmark the business environment. Based on the Index results, the study puts forward suggestions for the further development of the collaborative economy in the EU. The study concludes that there is no single approach for creating a favourable regulatory environment for the collaborative economy, as most regulations affect both conventional and collaborative economy actors. Clear definitions for collaborative economy services along with a distinction between peer and professional activities (e.g. through thresholds) facilitate collaborative economy activities. Market access requirements proportionate to smaller and less frequent economic transactions, and enforcement measures tailored to collaborative providers, are additional encouraging factors. The provision of guidance on taxation and employment rules and support services targeted to the collaborative economy, although beneficial, are not commonly available. The alignment of regulatory frameworks within (and across) Member States is also important and it occurs more frequently in the transport than in the accommodation theme." (p. 9)