Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of digital platforms on labor focusing on the Italian case and reviewing both worker as well as firm-level empirical evidence. First, occupational heterogeneity is thoroughly assessed providing a detailed taxonomy of platform work including information on: skills, organizational characteristics, type of contract, working conditions and income. Second, the evidence concerning the relationship between platform work and economic vulnerability is examined. Third, the techno-economic dependency faced by companies relying on platforms to sell their goods and services and its potential implications in terms of working conditions and wages is investigated. Taking stock of such a rich set of evidence, further avenues for research and policy implications are finally discussed.