The Role of The Sharing Economy in SMEs’ Prosperity

: Case study evidence from Egypt

Abstract

This thesis explores the role of the sharing economy in enhancing the prosperity of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the context of a developing economy, using Egypt as an empirical case study. By focusing on the strategic integration of shared resources and platform-mediated collaboration, the research aims to develop a nuanced conceptual framework that reflects the opportunities and constraints faced by SMEs in adopting sharing economy models.

Drawing on qualitative data from multiple case studies and adopting an interpretivist, empirically grounded methodology, the thesis investigates how SMEs engage with the sharing economy beyond dominant consumer-facing platforms. It extends the theoretical discourse by applying the Resource-Based View (RBV) to both rivalrous and non-rivalrous resource-sharing practices and further integrates institutional and behavioural lenses to interpret SME motivations and capabilities.

The findings identify a range of motivations driving SMEs to adopt sharing practices, including cost reduction, agility, access to otherwise unattainable resources, and network-based trust mechanisms. However, the study also reveals cultural, infrastructural, and trust-related barriers that hinder broader adoption, particularly in informal economies. The research highlights the pivotal role of intermediary platforms and offline networks in shaping access and utilisation, while also exposing gaps in policy awareness and digital capacity among SMEs.

By contextualising the sharing economy within Egypt’s economic and institutional environment, this research contributes to a more inclusive and practice-oriented understanding of how shared resource models can foster innovation, competitiveness, and growth among SMEs in developing countries. It offers practical implications for policymakers, platform designers, and SME support organisations, advocating for tailored digital infrastructure, trust-building mechanisms, and context-sensitive education on the sharing economy.

Ultimately, the thesis presents a conceptual framework that captures the complex interplay between SME characteristics, strategic intent, platform models, and socio-economic context in shaping sharing economy engagement.

Date of Award	19 Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Edge Hill University
Supervisor	UFUK ALPSAHIN CULLEN (Director of Studies)