National Institutions and Platform Evolution in the European Gig Economy

In the past decade, the widespread use of smartphones, app software, and broadband internet access has led to the rise of internet platforms, particularly online marketplaces that connect job requesters with workers in various sectors. These platforms, commonly known as the gig economy, have become a significant part of the labor market. One distinguishing feature of gig economy platforms is that they classify their workers as independent contractors. Although gig platforms have been seen as operating in a regulatory gray area, the physical nature of onsite gig transactions and their presence within specific legal jurisdictions make regulatory issues more pertinent in the onsite gig economy. Moreover, different countries face distinct regulatory challenges related to gig economy platforms, even when dealing with the same platform. This thesis focuses on the institutional conditions that shape gig economy platforms during their stages of development, including creation, internationalization, and adaptation. The central research question is how national institutions impact onsite gig economy platforms. Chapter 2 of the thesis defines the gig economy based on four dimensions: online vs. offline intermediation, independent contractor vs. platform employee, paid vs. unpaid labor, and provision of services vs. goods. Each dimension raises regulatory questions regarding the classification of platforms and workers. Chapter 3 explores how national institutions influence the founding and international expansion of gig economy platforms. The findings indicate that while national institutions have limited effects during the founding stage, they play a crucial role in the internationalization process. Geographical conditions, particularly larger populations and capital city status, affect the likelihood of hosting newly founded platforms but do not predict higher rates of internationalization. Chapter 4 focuses on how national institutions respond to gig platforms following thei