The digital transformation of industry and the world of work

Abstract

This chapter traces the rise of the digital economy and digital platforms, focusing on digital labour platforms in particular. It assesses the impact of such platforms on different economic sectors and labour markets, highlighting the distinctive aspects of digital labour platforms that are transforming the world of work. It gives some estimates of the number of platform companies and the number of workers whose work is mediated through these platforms based on the available literature. It also discusses the roles of data and finance in the rapid rise of these platforms, and the challenges the platforms pose to both businesses and workers.