Financing the Gig Economy
研究发现零工经济中工人需自备实物资本，低收入家庭常借贷参与；以网约车为例，融资约束阻碍了低收入者参与，若无融资，均衡数量降40%、价格升90%。
ABSTRACT Unlike traditional firm production, gig economy workers provide their own physical capital. As a consequence, the low‐income households for whom gig economy opportunities are most valuable often borrow to participate. In the context of ride share, difference‐in‐difference analysis reveals increased vehicle purchases, borrowing, utilization, and employment around entry, but financially constrained individuals cannot participate. To assess the equilibrium importance of financing, I build and estimate a structural model of the gig economy. Access to finance proves critical for the gig economy's growth: without finance, equilibrium quantities would be 40% lower and prices 90% higher, and only higher‐income households could participate as drivers.