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Dr. Yuliya Voytenko Palgan and Kes McCormick

How can we govern consumption and the sharing economy in our cities?

This course explores cities, consumption and the sharing economy in Europe and around the world. We connect together the key themes of the sharing economy, cities, governance, consumption and urban sustainability. We explore how the sharing economy can contribute to increasing social, environmental and economic sustainability. And we argue that it is imperative that the sharing economy is shaped and designed to advance urban sustainability.

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How can we govern consumption and the sharing economy in our cities?

This course explores cities, consumption and the sharing economy in Europe and around the world. We connect together the key themes of the sharing economy, cities, governance, consumption and urban sustainability. We explore how the sharing economy can contribute to increasing social, environmental and economic sustainability. And we argue that it is imperative that the sharing economy is shaped and designed to advance urban sustainability.

This course was launched in May 2020, and it was updated in September 2021 with new podcasts, films and publications. This course is produced by Lund University in cooperation with partners from Sharing Cities Sweden – a national program for the sharing economy in cities with a focus on governance and sustainability. It features researchers, practitioners and entrepreneurs from a range organisations.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 – Sharing Cities: Governing and Regulating
By studying this module you can gain an increased knowledge and a deeper understanding of the sharing economy in cities. The concept of sharing cities is presented and discussed in relation to governance and urban sustainability with examples from Europe and around the world.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines environmental and economic advantages of sharing economy in cities
Explores governance and urban sustainability in the sharing economy
Taught by recognized researchers, practitioners, and entrepreneurs
Focuses on practical experiences and examples from European cities
Provides different municipal perspectives on shaping the sharing economy
Requires learners to have prior understanding of sharing economy

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Reviews summary

Governing sharing economies for sustainable cities

According to learners, this course offers a relevant and timely exploration of the sharing economy and urban sustainability. Students appreciated the well-structured weekly modules and the use of varied media content, including podcasts and films, which provide a strong theoretical base. However, some found the primary focus on Swedish examples limited the perceived broader applicability. While providing a solid conceptual understanding, the course is seen by some as potentially lacking practical guidance for direct implementation in different urban contexts.
Learning enhanced by podcasts, films, publications.
"Using podcasts and films adds depth beyond standard lectures."
"The mix of materials kept the learning experience engaging."
"I enjoyed exploring the topic through different formats like documentaries."
Clear weekly themes explore different facets.
"The breakdown into weekly themes like 'Governing', 'Leading', etc., is logical."
"I appreciated the clear focus for each week's content."
"The course follows a coherent structure exploring different facets."
Provides solid understanding of key concepts.
"The course gave me a solid theoretical grounding in the subject."
"It helps you understand the core concepts and frameworks."
"I feel I have a good grasp of the academic side after this course."
Addresses critical modern urban challenges.
"The course explores a critical issue for modern cities."
"Understanding the sharing economy's role in sustainability is key."
"This topic feels very current and important for urban development."
Primarily uses Swedish urban case studies.
"While Swedish examples are interesting, I wondered about broader applicability."
"More diverse international case studies would have been helpful."
"The focus felt a bit narrow on the Scandinavian context at times."
More theory heavy than practical implementation.
"I wish there was more on how to actually *implement* these ideas in practice."
"The course felt very academic, less focused on 'how-to' for practitioners."
"Could use more examples of practical policy design or project management."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cities and Consumption: Urban Sustainability and the Sharing Economy with these activities:
Review the concepts of Sharing Economy
Reviewing the basic principles of sharing economy will lay the foundation for deeper understanding of the course materials.
Browse courses on Sharing Economy
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  • Review the lecture slides and notes from previous courses or online resources on sharing economy.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on sharing economy.
Attend a Sharing Economy conference or workshop
Attending industry events will provide exposure to experts, innovative ideas, and networking opportunities.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant conferences or workshops on sharing economy.
  • Register for the event and prepare questions or topics for discussion.
  • Attend the event and actively participate in sessions and networking.
Explore case studies on Sharing Economy
Examining real-world examples of sharing economy will provide practical insights and enhance understanding.
Browse courses on Sharing Economy
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for case studies on sharing economy, such as industry reports, academic journals, or company websites.
  • Read and analyze the case studies, focusing on the implementation, challenges, and outcomes of sharing economy initiatives.
Four other activities
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Create a presentation on Sharing Economy trends and forecasts
Developing a presentation on industry trends will enhance understanding of the evolving landscape of sharing economy.
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Show steps
  • Research industry reports, articles, and data on the latest trends and forecasts in sharing economy.
  • Analyze the data and identify key insights and patterns.
  • Create a visually engaging presentation that summarizes the findings and provides insights into the future of sharing economy.
Analyze governance frameworks for Sharing Economy
Engaging in practical analysis of governance frameworks will deepen understanding of how sharing economy is regulated and managed.
Browse courses on Governance Frameworks
Show steps
  • Collect different governance frameworks related to sharing economy from government agencies, industry associations, or academic institutions.
  • Review and compare the frameworks, identifying similarities, differences, and best practices.
  • Develop a table or infographic summarizing the key findings of the analysis.
Debate the social and environmental impact of Sharing Economy
Engaging in critical discussions with peers will foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted impact of sharing economy.
Browse courses on Social Impact
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  • Form a peer group with diverse perspectives on the social and environmental implications of sharing economy.
  • Prepare arguments and evidence to support different viewpoints.
  • Participate in a structured debate, presenting arguments and engaging in respectful dialogue.
  • Summarize the key points and insights gained from the debate.
Develop a Sharing Economy business plan
Creating a business plan for a sharing economy venture will provide hands-on experience in applying course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Business Plan
Show steps
  • Identify a specific sharing economy business opportunity.
  • Conduct market research and analysis to determine the target audience, competition, and potential revenue streams.
  • Develop a business model canvas or lean canvas to outline the key components of the business.
  • Create financial projections and a marketing plan.
  • Present the business plan to a group of peers or mentors for feedback and evaluation.

Career center

Learners who complete Cities and Consumption: Urban Sustainability and the Sharing Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and plan the use of land and the built environment to maximize sustainability and quality of life in cities. They may also work to improve transportation systems, housing, and other city services. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in urban planning and how it can be used to create more sustainable and livable cities.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their social and economic performance. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in sustainability and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may work on projects such as water treatment, air pollution control, and waste management. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing environmental impacts and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners develop and implement plans to improve transportation systems. They may work on projects such as road design, public transportation, and traffic management. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing transportation emissions and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Energy Manager
Energy Managers develop and implement plans to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing energy consumption and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialists develop and implement plans to reduce waste generation and improve waste management practices. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing waste generation and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Managers develop and implement plans to manage water resources. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing water consumption and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planners develop and implement plans to manage land use. They may work with businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in land use planning and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. They may work on projects such as pollution control, climate change, and natural resource management. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in reducing environmental impacts and how it can be used to create more sustainable cities.
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural features. They may work on projects such as land use planning, environmental assessment, and climate change. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in shaping cities and how it can be used to create more sustainable urban environments.
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and social interactions. They may work on projects such as urban planning, social policy, and economic development. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in shaping social and economic relationships in cities and how it can be used to create more sustainable and equitable urban environments.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may work on projects such as economic development, financial planning, and public policy. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in the urban economy and how it can be used to create more sustainable and equitable economic systems.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. They may work on projects such as public policy, electoral campaigns, and international relations. This course can help you understand the role of the sharing economy in urban governance and how it can be used to create more sustainable and democratic cities.
Historian
Historians study the past and its impact on the present. They may work on projects such as teaching, research, and writing. This course may be useful for Historians who are interested in learning more about the history of the sharing economy and its role in shaping cities.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They may work on projects such as cultural preservation, social development, and environmental conservation. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who are interested in learning more about the social and cultural aspects of the sharing economy and its role in shaping cities.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cities and Consumption: Urban Sustainability and the Sharing Economy.
Offers a unique global perspective on Governing the Sharing Economy and its impact on various urban sectors.
Offers a unique perspective on the impact of the Sharing Economy on the concept of Ownership.
Offers an overview of Smart Cities and their potential impact on urban living.
Offers a general overview of Sustainable Development and Planning, which would provide foundational knowledge for this course.
Offers a review of Climate Change's impact on Cities and the role of cities in addressing climate change.

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