Strategies for Urban Evolution: Analysing the Effects of Airbnb and Uber Business Models on the Transformation of Post-industrial Societies

The transition from an industrial to a post-industrial society has heralded a new era of economic and social change. As the importance of traditional manufacturing declines, many societies are shifting to a service-based economy based on innovation and digitalisation. As part of the new business model supported by digital platforms, the concept of sharing rather than owning has emerged. Pioneers in this industry were Airbnb and Uber. These companies introduced new service providers that offered cheaper, more efficient and more user-friendly accommodation and transport services. Offering services was no longer reserved for professionals, but for anyone willing to offer a particular service. These mechanisms are based on two key dimensions: tight or loose control over participants and high or low rivalry between participants (Constantiou et al., 2017). These paradigm-shifting business models have been named after the companies that inspired them: Airbnbisation and Uberisation. These models have reshaped the hotel industry, the cityscape and transport, and redefined the nature of work and service provision. This comprehensive analysis examines the diverse impacts of Airbnbisation and Uberisation on post-industrial societies, explores their positive and negative consequences and makes recommendations for sustainable urban development.