The way towards a thriving sharing economy in the Netherlands is wide open, is the conclusion of a new nationwide research. NCDO, the Dutch expertise and advisory centre for citizenship and international cooperation, researched a representative sample of 1032 Dutch citizens. This is the first nationwide research project (after previous research in Amsterdam).
Results indicate that 84 percent of the population shares. The most shared goods and services are food, magazines and knowledge. Young Dutch citizens (below 35 years old) more often share food, dvd’s, household equipment, living spaces, bicycles, clothing and musical instruments. Older Dutch citizens more often share newspapers & magazines, cars and healthcare.
The most important motive to share is, by far, to help others. The relation between sharing and saving the environment is acknowledges by the majority of the respondents. Money, including the economic crisis is less important and only affects respondents with a low income in their motives. However, income together with having altruistic values are the two most important factors influencing the willingness of the respondents to share goods and services.
The Dutch prefer to share through personal contact (90%). As a consequence people share most with family, friends, relatives and neighbours. Only four percent shares with strangers. Sharing through apps and websites is done by only six percent of the population and mostly among younger citizens.
In conclusion the researchers state that: “There could be a bright future for the Dutch sharing economy. Despite the difference in income, young citizens share as much as older citizens. Besides, young Dutch citizens see more possibilities to share through apps and websites. Thus, the way towards a thriving sharing economy in the Netherlands is wide open.”
Read the full report here (in Dutch).
