Service ecosystem of the sharing economy

A theoretical discussion and approximation between the service-dominant logic and the sharing economy

Abstract

Purpose: This study conducts a theoretical reflection on the structure of sharing economy service ecosystems and how value is co-created through this system. Method/Approach: The approach was developed from a literature review on the service-dominant logic and its key concepts, such as value co-creation and service ecosystems, and related to the Sharing Economy. Results: The results suggest that the dynamic environment that configures the sharing economy can be understood from the perspective of service ecosystems, observing six actors that make up such a systematic structure and that are interconnected by formal and informal institutional foundations that are shared during the process of service. Contributions: This essay's main contribution is the construction of a model that allows the understanding of the dynamics and relationships existing in the service ecosystem of platform-based economies, and such structure is discussed and analyzed from the levels of aggregation of the ecosystem. In addition, six propositions were outlined and could provide a basis for new empirical studies.