A consolidated, systemic conceptualization, and definition of the “sharing economy” has been published by Daniel Schlagwein (University of Sydney), Detlef Schoder (University of Cologne), and Kai Spindeldreher (University of Cologne). Released under the CC-licensing regime, Wiley grants free access to the research article. For further information see: Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST), 2019; 1–22,  https://asistdl.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/asi.24300.

The definition of “sharing economy” is based on the detailed analysis of definitions and explanations in 152 sources identified in a systematic literature review. We identify 36 original understandings of the term “sharing economy.” Using semantic integration strategies, we consolidate 84 semantic facets in these definitions into 18 characteristics of the sharing economy. Resolving conflicts in the meaning and scope of these characteristics, we arrive at a consolidated, systemic definition. We evaluate the definition's appropriateness and applicability by applying it to cases claimed by the media to be examples of the sharing economy. This article's definition is useful for future research and discourse on the sharing economy.