Planning for non-profit sharing : A case study of Gothenburg and Umeå, Sweden

Abstract: The prevailing capitalist and growth-driven economic system has led to an increase in inequality, resource consumption, and environmental pressure on the earth’s vital support systems. Cities face a number of sustainability challenges, and in view of overconsumption in affluent societies, particularly in the Global North, the question arises how alternative approaches can be implemented at the local level. The “sharing economy” is considered as having the potential to open a “new pathway to sustainability”. To unfold the alleged sustainability potential of the sharing economy, the focus should be on non-profit sharing initiatives rather than for-profit sharing companies. This study analyses different modes of governance applied by local authorities in steering non-profit sharing initiatives, highlights the challenges local authorities face, and draws attention to more general conflicts of interest in developing the non-profit sharing economy. A comparative case study of Gothenburg and Umeå, Sweden, is conducted using qualitative research methods. The results show that some modes of governance applied by local authorities in steering non-profit sharing initiatives are more prominent than others. It becomes clear that the municipal involvement in the non-profit sharing economy as investor and host depends largely on the political will. The challenges for local authorities in developing the non-profit sharing economy are quite diverse, ranging from lack of political support to legal aspects, organisation of administration, local conditions, and structural problems. A conflict of interest between a for-profit and non-profit orientation in the sharing economy becomes evident.