E-commerce, Sharing Economy & Makers
E-commerce well established;
Sharing economy and maker movement yet to capitalize their potential
Increasing numbers of Flemings admit to buying goods online. It also appears that most people in Flanders believe in the benefits of online shopping.
Most Flemings are either positive or neutral about the sharing economy. Only a minority say they feel negatively about it. The biggest barrier is the value that individuals attach to owning things. The main plus points about the sharing economy are that sharing is good for the environment, that it makes life easier and more efficient and is also cheaper than owning everything. But this positive attitude does not necessarily lead to frequent use of sharing platforms.
Approximately one in eight Flemings describe themselves as a “maker”. Certainly DIY electronics (such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi) or IoT toolkits are used frequently by makers. 3D printers are used less often on a regular basis. A limited number of makers say that they have taken part several times in hackathons or have visited a ‘makerspace’.
Digital Transformation? It takes two to tango
Biggest conclusion of Digimeter 2018 is that consumers are building a more grown up relationship with their digital partner. It takes two to tango; the consumer expects of you, companies who offer digital solutions, that they are involved as a full-fledged partner in your new digital innovations.
The success of an evolution to an AI and data driven economy are largely dependent on the consumer’s trust in the technology and the companies behind that technology. Digimeter shows that only 10% has no confidence in technology en two thirds of consumers see clear advantages.
More then ever transparency in data use and business models will be a differentiating factor in the digital playing field. We will stay on top of attitudes to AI and data driven products and services, on the one hand through Digimeter and on the other hand through organising user testing in real contexts for next generation digital solutions. This way consumers and companies can explore the advantages of digital technology together.
Is your company working on digital innovation? Do you have an idea, a first prototype or an almost finished product, but are you missing real life feedback of potential end users? Contact Eva Steenberghs.
Eva Steenberghs