Sharing Economy – Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The current interlinked crises (covid, war, earthquakes, global warming, dwindling resources), have accentuated the transition towards new forms of the economy that focus on sustainable development and the need for rapid action to counter the effects of crises. Digitization, digital platforms and new collaborative business models have shaped more environmentally and resource responsible behavior. Thus, the collaborative economy can be a solution for future sustainable development. This paper aims to explore the state of the collaborative economy based on quantitative data from four studies. In terms of research methodology, it includes qualitative research and a comparative analysis of global studies, complemented by the analysis of examples of good practice. The paper focuses on the effects of the collaborative economy, effects that will have an impact on sustainable development. The analysis also looks at Romania, where we have identified the proportion of citizens who have used collaborative platforms. The main purpose of the paper is to highlight some examples of best practices that can contribute to a major change among communities. The results of the study illustrate that the collaborative economy is changing the socio-economic model and presents new challenges for public authorities, which need to adapt and create an optimal space for its development and promotion. The collaborative economy creates new opportunities for all actors involved, e.g. it contributes to the creation of new jobs, the reduction of waste, the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market, leading to sustainable development.