About Martijn


Martijn Arets

Professional outsider & platform expert


How is the platform economy developing worldwide? What impact does it have on people, organisations and society? As an independent professional outsider, I have been travelling around the world since 2012 to find answers to these questions.

So far, I have visited more than 600 experts, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders within the emerging platform economy in 17 countries. How do they see developments and how does platformisation affect their daily lives? Out of genuine curiosity and wonder, I investigate and interpret what is really happening.

From insights to collaborating on solutions

As a bridge builder and professional outsider, I use these insights to bring stakeholders together. I am at the centre of the debate, but maintain an independent voice as an observer and interpreter.

I speak the language of academics as well as policymakers and entrepreneurs. I know both the world of small start-ups, and that of corporates. That helps me look at issues from different angles and bring parties together. After all, I don’t just want to know how things are, but also to help address and solve relevant issues.

I like to share my insights and vision. I advise companies, national and local governments and other institutions. I also share my story and thoughts through blogs, media appearances and my Dutch and English newsletter. Furthermore, I give presentations all over the world: from TEDx in Greece to the Crowdsourcing Week Arctic Circle and advise companies and governments on their opportunities in the platform economy.

Furthermore, I am…

  • Founder of my own consultancy firm Professional Outsider Consultancy
  • Author of the books ‘Brand Expedition, a journey along Europe’s most inspiring brands’, ‘Crowdfunding, beyond the hype’, ‘Crowdfunding for Dummies’ and ‘Platform Revolution’
  • Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 (Sprout) and one of the ’40 Young Potential European Leaders under 40′
  • Member of the gig team of the WageIndicator Foundation
  • Part of the knowledge team of the lectorate Platform Economy of the Haagse Hogeschool
  • Founder of GigCV
  • Photographer and guitarist
  • Resident of Houten, together with Jannette and our children Joep, Sophie and Anna.
 

NEWSLETTER


New insights in your mailbox every week

Stay up to date with what’s happening in the platform economy through my weekly newsletter. Every Monday morning at 8:00 am I share the five most interesting articles of the week. I provide each article with personal commentary and analysis.

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NEWSLETTERS


BLOGS


Data as the gateway to financial services for platform workers

Rollee makes it easier for platform workers to access financing. Until now, it has been difficult to obtain a loan without a steady monthly income. Lenders want a clear picture
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Data Labelers Association speaks up for invisible workers: “Ultimately, it’s about respect and human decency.”

What are the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of data work? Who are the people who annotate and correct the data behind AI (so-called “data workers” or “data labelers”)? In the
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The myth of automation: How AI is and will remain dependent on cheap labour

Artificial intelligence (AI) is and will remain dependent on human labour. The people who do the work behind AI systems are often invisible. This carries risks of poor working conditions,
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Ghostwork: the invisible world of work behind AI

Claartje ter Hoeven (Utrecht University) and her research team reveal the hidden world of European data or ghostworkers. They are often highly educated, seeking flexibility, but their working conditions are usually
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Reclaiming the value of work in the digital economy: A report from an inspiring conference in Leuven.

The growing impact of digital technology, generative AI and algorithmic management on work is an increasingly widely explored topic. Last week during the two-day conference ‘Future of Work: Reclaiming the value
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Uber taxi Amsterdam

Developing DAC7: 5 lessons for the workable regulation of the platform economy.

Since 2023, platforms have had to share supplier data with tax authorities. What are the implications of this legislation? How can we achieve better regulation? Researchers Ahmed Darwish and Martijn Arets share lessons.
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