ABSTRACT
Our cities are in a constant state of flux and these changes - physical, economic, social, cultural and technological - are the result of a complex interplay of government policies, market forces and social practices which are, ultimately, influenced by globalisation and capitalism. Irrespective of one’s views on the pros and cons of the sharing economy in general, or the firms who dominate particular markets, the increased app-ification and digitisation of our social lives and consumption practices means that the sharing economy looks set to be around for some time. Providing insights into the myriad ways this disruption is creating a new urbanism in Australian cities, this special issue raises important issues about the regulatory unevenness faced by bricks and mortar providers within the traditional economy and app and tap platforms that define the sharing economy.
