Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Market Research

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Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery OVERVIEW

The sharing and gig economy has transformed the way people work and consume services. Enabled by digital platforms, this sector allows for peer-to-peer transactions, connecting independent workers with consumers seeking flexible services. From ride-hailing to grocery delivery and even private jet-sharing, these trends are reshaping industries and redefining employment.

1. The Rise of the Gig Economy

The gig economy, often linked to platforms like Uber, Instacart and TaskRabbit, allows workers to choose their hours and work across multiple platforms. This flexibility appeals to many, from students to retirees, who seek supplemental income or control over their work schedules. According to Plunkett Research, the number of independent workers in the U.S. is projected to reach 72.7 million in 2024, indicating rapid growth. However, this sector faces ongoing debates about worker rights and classification. While some workers appreciate the independence offered by gig jobs, others argue for employee status to receive benefits such as healthcare and paid leave. Legislative efforts like California’s Proposition 22 have attempted to strike a balance, offering some worker protections, while maintaining contractor flexibility. Other regions, including Massachusetts and New York, have also introduced labor regulations for gig workers, signaling potential global shifts.

2. Disruptive Innovations in Transportation and Mobility

The transportation industry has seen some of the most significant disruptions from the sharing economy. Ride-hailing giants Uber, Lyft and Didi have overtaken traditional taxi services, offering convenience through smartphone-based booking and cashless transactions. This trend is evolving into mobility services, where personal car ownership declines in favor of on-demand transportation. Additionally, the push for self-driving technology has the potential to further revolutionize ride-hailing. Companies like Waymo, Tesla and Amazon’s Zoox are investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to reduce costs by eliminating drivers. While widespread adoption is still years away, the race to perfect driverless cars continues. Bicycle-sharing and e-scooters have also gained traction in urban centers, providing affordable, eco-friendly transportation alternatives. Dockless bike-sharing systems, particularly in China and Europe, are making urban commuting more accessible, though operational challenges persist.

3. The Expanding Reach of On-Demand Services

Beyond transportation, the on-demand economy now spans food delivery, grocery shopping and home services. Companies like Instacart and Amazon Fresh have capitalized on consumer demand for same-day grocery delivery, a trend that accelerated due to the Corona virus pandemic. Meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron further cater to convenience-driven customers, though interest in these services has fluctuated. Similarly, restaurant meal delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub have seen massive growth, allowing consumers to access their favorite restaurants from home. However, high commission fees have led to conflicts between restaurants and delivery providers, spurring alternative business models such as direct-to-consumer platforms.

4. The Sharing Economy’s Expansion into Real Estate and Luxury Goods

Hospitality is another sector experiencing disruption. Airbnb and Vrbo have created a competitive alternative to hotels, offering unique accommodations and often lower prices. While short-term rentals continue to thrive, regulatory challenges in many cities have emerged, prompting restrictions on home-sharing. Luxury sharing services are also expanding. Rent the Runway has pioneered fashion rental, allowing consumers to access high-end clothing without ownership. In aviation, private jet-sharing platforms and semi-private airlines like Surf Air offer alternatives to traditional commercial flying, catering to affluent travelers seeking convenience and exclusivity.

5. Insurance and Regulation Challenges

As the gig and sharing economies grow, so do concerns about liability and insurance. Traditional insurance models are struggling to adapt to ride-sharing, home-sharing and gig work risks. Companies are exploring new coverage models, including pay-per-use insurance and hybrid policies for gig workers. Governments worldwide are also grappling with regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition and worker protections. Questions around taxation, licensing and consumer safety remain unresolved in many markets, and ongoing legal battles could shape the industry's future.

6. The Future of the Gig and Sharing Economy

Despite regulatory challenges, the sharing and gig economy shows no signs of slowing down. Advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomous transportation, and cloud-based service platforms will continue to drive innovation. Additionally, as more people seek flexible work arrangements, gig-based employment will likely become an even more significant component of the labor force. The sharing economy's future will hinge on balancing worker rights, consumer convenience and technological advancements. With ongoing legal and business model adaptations, this dynamic industry will remain a focal point of economic transformation in the years to come.

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Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.

Hundreds of Top Companies Profiled, Including:

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A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

Business trends analysis
In-depth industry overview
Technology trends analysis
Forecasts
Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
In-depth industry statistics and metrics
Industry employment numbers

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

U.S. and Global Firms
Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
Executive Contacts
Revenues
For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries
Statistical Tables

Key Questions Answered Include:

How is the industry evolving?
How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
What is the size of the market now and in the future?
What are the financial results of the leading companies?
What are the names and titles of top executives?
What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry

Major Trends Shaping the Sharing & Gig Economy Industry
Introduction to the Sharing & Gig Economy Industry
The Sharing & Gig Economy’s Effect on Employment, Work Life and Careers
Gig Workers’/Drivers’ Rights & Employment Status Evolve
Repairs, Errand-Running, Pet Walking and Assembly-on-Demand Businesses Evolve
Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, Vrbo and Many Global Competitors
Private Jet Sharing and Rentals Are Big Business/Semi-Private Airlines Compete
Uber, Lyft and Didi Dominate the Car on Demand (Ride Hailing) Industry
Self-Driving, Autonomous Cars Receive Massive Investments in Research and Development Worldwide
Bicycle Sharing Is Well Established in Major Cities
Demand for Home Grocery Delivery Service Such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh Soars
Meal Kits from Firms like Blue Apron Make It Easy to Prepare Home-Cooked Meals
Grubhub, DoorDash Deliver Restaurant Meals
Fashion Rental Pioneered by Online Apparel Firm Rent the Runway
Shared Spaces for Co-Living and Co-Working Face Challenges
Gig Economy and Self-Driving Cars Pose Insurance Challenges and Underwriting Opportunities
The Future of the Sharing Economy and Gig Workforce: Regulation, Benefits, Licensing and Soaring Growth

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Sharing & Gig Economy Industry Statistics

Sharing and Gig Economy Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
Global Digital, Network, Computer & Telecom Industries--Key Statistics & Market Size Overview
Persons Not in the Labor Force and Multiple Jobholders by Sex, U.S.: 2023-2024
Share of U.S. Adults Performing Gig Work: 2023

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Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Market Research

Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery OVERVIEW

WE PROFILE HUNDREDS OF TOP COMPANIES:

PLUNKETT PROVIDES IN-DEPTH STATISTICS TABLES COVERING THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRY TOPICS:

Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.

Hundreds of Top Companies Profiled, Including:

PLUNKETT PROVIDES UNIQUE ANALYSIS OF THE FOLLOWING TRENDS THAT ARE DRIVING THIS INDUSTRY:

Organizations that have used our research and products

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