Opportunities and risks of collaborative consumption economy

The object of the study is the Sharing Economy (SE) and its future in the context of globalization, digitalization of society and the fourth industrial revolution. A relatively recent notion of «Sharing Economy or the Collaborative Consumption Economy« has been formulated, and the main prerequisites for its occurrence have been identified. We have briefly explored the forms of Sharing Economy (SE) in various fields of activity (in transport, energy, real estate, tourism, finances, etc.). The possibilities and benefits of SE for various segments of the population, organizations, administrative entities, and the state are identified. The changes that have taken place in the economy in the last decade are described by several authors related to this ecosystem, such as Zoellick and Subacchi, among others. These changes have occurred within different industries and within companies that grow rapidly, due to globalization and the growing use of the Internet. Now we can observe how new terms appear; for example, the «Collaborative Economy« which seeks to reflect the growing role of entrepreneurs, promoting a new replicable model, which can be used in different cities regardless of their characteristics, and also involves work without strictly established hours or a certain degree of permanence, which some associate with the era of interdependence (Grevy, 2009). The problems and risks of SE are described. We have identified a range of issues (legal, organizational, economic, environmental, etc.) that arise during introduction of SE and which should increase its effectiveness. Some proposals have been put forward to improve the activities in the Sharing Economy, not only in the present but also in the future. Additionally, proposals are made for improving activities in the conditions of a shared consumption economy, and for improving the welfare of society in the future. The processes of digitalization of society are becoming the prerogative of the global economy and individual countries, which increases the significance of discussing these problems. The article should contribute to popularization of Sharing Economy and dissemination of information regarding which problems currently exist in it and that they need to be solved.