How do government regulations and policies respond to the growing online-enabled transportation service (OETS) in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan?

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore the dynamic context of the sharing economy in the transportation sector. This paper looks into the development of government regulations on the growing business of transportation network companies in Indonesia, the Philippines (represented as middle-income countries) and Taiwan (high-income country). How do government regulations and policies respond to the growing online-enabled transportation service (OETS) in Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan? Design/methodology/approach This study is qualitative-comparative research. Data on the transportation sector of each country have been gathered from reputable online sources. Findings Authors found evidence that the policy responses made by the Governments of Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan to the sharing economy in the transportation sector are incremental and trial-error based policies. Research limitations This paper has not addressed the policy issues’ relationship between driver and platform companies. Practical implications The future of the relationship between sharing firms and local governments suggests that the focus should be on stronger consumer protections, deeper economic redistribution and achievement of other policy aims (Rauch and Schleicher, 2015). Originality/value This is a comparative study on different levels of economy, particularly between low- or middle-income and high-income country.