Convergence in the Sharing Economy: Evaluating Uber’s Influence on Societal Services and User Time Savings as Added Value

This paper examines the attitudes and behaviours of Uber users and drivers in Croatia within the broader context of the sharing economy (SE). Literature highlights the economic relevance and regulatory challenges of the SE- critical for guiding practice, monitoring impacts, and managing disruptions, This study examines how Uber users and drivers in Croatia engage with the SE, investigating how platform factors like availability, waiting times, and ratings relate to attitudes across age groups. Based on survey data from 144 users and nine Uber drivers, statistical analyses reveal no significant differences in satisfaction or usage patterns across age and gender subgroups, confirming the demographic robustness of the findings. Findings show that users primarily value convenience, price transparency, and app quality, whereas drivers emphasize flexibility despite concerns over earnings and commission structures; furthermore, observed price sensitivity and platform-switching during peak periods highlight intensifying competition in the Croatian market and its role in reshaping consumer behaviour.