The European Regions discussed the Sharing Economy
On 4 December 2018, the Brussels-Capital Region welcomed the members of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) for a day-long event of mutual learning titled “The Sharing Economy: reshaping the way we do business”.
Welcome speech by Magnus Berntsson, the President of the Assembly of European Regions.
Welcome address by Jean-Luc Vanraes, the President of Committee 1 (Economy and Regional Development) of the Assembly of European Regions.
Exchanges focusing on various themes throughout the day.
New business models, new roles for citizens
The sharing or collaborative economy is an emerging economic model, under which citizens share or swap resources, goods or skills. This model spans across multiple companies in various sectors (mobility, tourism, restaurants, domestic and commercial services, etc.), which have created IT platforms where the supply and demand of private consumers can be aligned.
While the sharing economy creates new opportunities, it also requires the development of innovative business models and support for citizens in their new roles as entrepreneurs, consumers and workers.
Experts from all over Europe
The event on 4 December was held in the framework of Brussels presidency of the AER’s Committee 1 (Economy and Regional Development). It was organised by Brussels International, in conjunction with the AER, the Region of Catalonia, Brussels Entreprises Commerce and Industry (BECI) and the Brussels Regional Investment Company (Srib/Gimb).
Just under one hundred experts from various European regions, working in the private and public sector as well as in the academic world, shared their experiences and suggested solutions to further develop this promising model. The event also proved an excellent opportunity to present European financing mechanisms and to highlight the expertise of Brussels companies in this field.
Further reading: aer.eu/event/the-sharing-economy-reshaping-the-way-we-do-business.