The Evolution of On-Demand Platforms: Conceptual Framework, Regulatory Challenges, and Policy Implications in the Digital Economy

Abstract

Digital platforms currently form the cornerstone of what is referred to as 'platform economics,' progressively assuming a central role in the city's economy, experiential landscape, and governance. On-demand platforms play a pivotal role in elevating the level of digital sophistication among citizens. This article extends the current research on on-demand service markets, aiming to cultivate an understanding of this nascent domain of digital platform business within the broader framework of the smart city. In the first section, we delve into various concepts related to on-demand service markets, outlining their distinctive features in comparison to traditional service markets, and elucidating the principal components of the on-demand digital platform economy. The second part of this paper employs bibliometric analysis to unveil, among other insights, emerging areas of interest, key works, and influential researchers in the field, as well as the countries and institutions where research on on-demand service markets is most advanced. This research endeavour may lay the foundation for the development of a theory pertaining to the provision of on-demand services within the context of the platform economy. Finally, the research extensively discusses regulatory challenges and public policy implications in the context of on-demand platforms, with a focus on worker protection, algorithmic transparency, and data security.