Understanding Brazil's Platform Economy: Trends and Regulatory Challenges

Abstract

The proliferation of digital platforms has transformed economic landscapes, orchestrating connections among diverse agents and fostering innovation. Yet, the regulatory oversight remains a concern, prompting the need for comprehensive data on the platform economy. This is the first study that provides aggregate data on Brazil's digital platform economy. Our research aimed to address two critical issues: Are Brazilian companies aligned with the global platformization trend, and what distinctive attributes characterize them? Identifying 556 platform companies in the country, the study confirms Brazil's active participation in the global platform economy. However, these companies, primarily young and SMEs, exhibit regional concentration and reliance on foreign investments. The study outlines the need for nuanced regulatory frameworks considering company size, market share, and user base. In conclusion, the research sheds light on Brazil's participation in the global platform economy, emphasizing its unique attributes and offering insights crucial for policymakers and future investigations.