Developing and Leveraging a Hybrid Business Model in the Sharing Economy Ecosystem

The sharing economy (SE) facilitates the sharing of goods and services through digital platforms, and it has generated a range of opinions regarding the diverse individuals participating in this phenomenon, each offering their unique perspective. A thorough comprehension of the SE is imperative, as it has profoundly influenced various aspects of our lives, delivering cost-saving benefits. Businesses worldwide are actively exploring ways to incorporate this innovative economic model into their strategies. The SE has seamlessly woven itself into numerous industries, presenting a multitude of opportunities. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of this model is crucial for harnessing its potential and unlocking valuable insights. Given these circumstances, there is a compelling need for a comprehensive study that examines the entire spectrum of SE participants, providing a holistic view to enhance our understanding of how these various actors contribute to the ecosystem.

The chosen research methodology involved the use of a qualitative multiple in-depth case study approach. The objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and evolving dynamics within SE systems in Egypt. This approach was also aimed at strengthening the existing attributes within these systems, including the hybrid business model and knowledge pertaining to the SE platform. In the pursuit of this research, the researcher opted for the subjectivist paradigm and employed deductive reasoning. This approach allowed for the utilization of established theories to investigate critical issues concerning the participants within the SE ecosystem. In order to gather data, a combination of primary and secondary data collection methods was employed. Primary data was obtained through conducting 40 semi-structured interviews, which provided valuable insights from key stakeholders (mediators, providers, government and customers). Furthuremore, secondary data was collected from an extensive review of 126 relevant articles in the field. Additionally, for the analysis of the qualitative data obtained, a thematic analysis approach was adopted. This method facilitated the systematic identification and exploration of recurring themes and patterns within the data, enabling a deeper understanding of the SE ecosystem in Egypt.

.The main findings of this thesis highlighted on three main themes. Firstly, the role of the participants in the SE ecosystem. Secondly, it delves into the understanding of the development and utilisation of specific business models, with a specific focus on the motivations that drive participants in the Egyptian economy. Thirdly, it explores the various layers of the SE ecosystem from a more comprehensive perspective, with a particular emphasis on the challenges encountered by SE participants in the Egyptian economy. The data sheds light on the roles played by participants within the Egyptian economy ecosystem, providing insights into explaining the current situation of mediators, providers, government, and customers by assessing the status of SE ecosystem participants in developing countries.

The key contributions and implications of this thesis are, firstly, the research on SE and its participants in developing countries contributes a perspective on the multiple levels of participants in the SE ecosystem and explores these levels from a broader perspective. It provides an understanding of the role of participants in the business models of SE, representing a shift in power dynamics between businesses and consumers, especially in the absence of government influence in developing countries. This could significantly impact the current and future contexts of business models. Secondly, it offers an explanation of how the SE business model has the potential to disrupt traditional industries in developing countries, highlighting the potential role of SE businesses in creating new economic opportunities and business values in these regions. Thirdly, the study focuses on the SE economic model in emerging countries, which will inform policy and practice in this context. It explores how the business model can be developed and leveraged, significantly impacting SE sustainability by integrating the processes of sharing platforms and considering the actual generation and value creation within business model innovation. This sheds light on the participants in the SE ecosystem in developing countries and provides in-depth insights into the value of integrating participants with technology. Fourthly, the research provides theoretical integration, offering a different SE lens by combining institutional and social exchange theories. It has the potential to have a range of both theoretical and managerial implications. Finally, the research offers valuable insights for stakeholders who need to consider such implications as they navigate the SE ecosystem.