Supply Chain Management and the Sharing Economy

Mobile-internet enabled information and communications processes allow people to share their assets in what is termed the Sharing Economy. Entrepreneurs are reaping huge financial gains but many challenges remain. Many would contend that a business concept such as Supply Chain Management does not exactly fit the definition of the sharing economy. The writer argues that Sharing Economy businesses are mini-supply chains. We should focus more on the communications aspect of demand in supply chains and technology solutions, rather than on a particular application or definition of the sharing economy. Possibilities are endless if we apply supply chain management and sharing concepts to opportunities in the economic, social, and environmental aspects of society.