Generation Me and the sharing economy

The sharing economy seems to be a good solution for a shaky global economy and even the threat of climate change. Combined with the power of smartphones and idle assets, this sustainable business model is a great way for people to make a profit even outside their day jobs.

Sharing economy services like Uber, Lyft, FlipKey, and Airbnb are more than just breakthrough ideas. These services provide a solution for the average consumer’s needs like transportation and accommodation. Technologically-assisted carpooling and couch surfing made the lives of millions easier.

Image source: universitymennonite.org

It is safe to say that sharing economy is still in its early stages. In the coming years, it will be the typical business concept for the Generation Me demographic. In these days where ownership is no longer a necessity or demand, those who have the means and the capital to buy luxuries like cars and weekend homes can choose to share it with others for a reasonable price.

On the sociological side, this opens up a new definition of community and consumerism. On the ecological side, all the sharing saves up energy and keeps waste to a minimum. Outsourcing work and even daily errands are also becoming common in the sharing economy industry.

Image source: huffingtonpost.com

The sharing economy offers an abundance of benefits. Keeping the trust of consumers, however, will make it even more profitable. In a business such as Uber or Airbnb, not all providers deliver what is expected of them. Companies must go to great lengths in employing and evaluating people who will provide the services to ensure consumers’ loyalty.

As sharing economy becomes the norm, local and national authorities can contribute their expertise to make the experience safer for everyone. In this day and age, many have been empowered to share their services with the rest of their community. In turn, what they offer can turn into a profitable business that can impact how the current generation operates.

The advantages of investing in the education sector

Image source: userscontent2.emaze.com

Education is a universal right. Aside from ensuring enrollment rates, states must also work towards improving the quality of education. The rising rates of illiteracy and disinterest can be addressed through more student-centric and accessible e-learning strategies.

However, the problem is less lack of material than absence of funding. Economic downturns usually augur budget cuts for learning initiatives. Lack of government funding saps opportunities for private investors to develop profitable innovations in education technology.

The traditional classroom setup, it is now being generally accepted, could be counterproductive for some types of learners. To engage differently adjusted learners, curricula and syllabus should be designed around their pace and capacity for knowledge.

There is still a demand for apps, software, and other platforms that facilitate learning, especially for children. As lifestyles are constantly changing, the learning tools that worked for students of the past decade may no longer work for the current generation. Due to the influence of their parents, children these days are becoming dependent on mobile devices.

Image source: media.licdn.com

This trend opens up opportunities for apps and software that encourage learning and track a student’s progress. In the same way, teachers also need new tools and materials that will engage their students. On the teaching and educational management side, there is also a need for efficient software aiding the documentation of student progress and the creation of educational materials.

Along with this shift, the classroom setup is also evolving. Interactive boards, e-books, and collaborative curriculum are becoming commonplace in affluent places. Bringing these improvements to the mainstream invites private investment. Businesses can consider contributing to these efforts as investing in human capital. Helping others acquire necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society will lead to a stronger workforce in the future. This could also be solutions for illiteracy and out-of-school youth.

Global and private initiatives towards improving education technology will increase towards the year 2020. This outlook needs the work of not only education professionals but also those from information technology and business. The collaboration of these three powerful sectors has the potential to influence millions of people.