What are the psychological barriers that hinder the adoption of mutualisation in the collaborative economy, and how can organisations overcome them?

Details

Supervisors

Marichal, Xavier

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enThe acceleration of environmental degradation, resource depletion and global warming have made it increasingly clear that the current linear economic model, based on extraction, production, consumption and disposal is unsustainable. As a response, the circular economy has emerged as an essential alternative, seeking to close resource loops, extend product lifecycles and reduce the environmental impact of economic activity. Building on this shift, the collaborative economy encourages access over ownership, with mutualisation emerging as one promising yet underused approach to reducing overconsumption and material waste. However, despite its ecological, economic and social benefits, mutualisation remains largely underused, with many individuals and organisations still prioritising private ownership. Therefore, this research explores the psychological factors behind this reluctance through a literature review and interviews with six organisations based in France and Belgium. The thesis aims to provide a clearer understanding of these barriers and to outline strategies to encourage wider participation in shared-use systems.