When I decided to live and work in Barcelona this summer, I had no idea what the concept of “collaborative economy” was. After just a few days in the city, I soon realized that this type of business practice has emerged as a very significant part of the culture and the economy of not just Barcelona, but many cities across the world.
A collaborative economy is one in which businesses are based on horizontal practices and the participation of the community. This type of model runs on trust and closer relationships between the producer and the consumer.
The collaboration is often virtual, interacting with online networks and building communities of people from around the world. However, many cities also utilize in-person, peer-to-peer networking and interaction between companies based in the same area. Continue reading “The Culture of a Collaborative Economy”