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

Stay up to date with what’s happening in the platform economy through my newsletter. 

You can subscribe for free following this link to my newsletter website.

Don’t like it? Unsubscribing is done in no time!

NEWSLETTERS


BLOGS


Radio interview about the court ruling in the case between FNV and Temper

Are the tens of thousands of workers who find day jobs via the Temper platform freelancers or temp agency workers? This is the question that has been on everyone’s minds
Lees verder..

New international agreements aim to make platform work more future-proof

From 1 to 12 June, representatives of workers, platform companies and governments from around the world will gather in Geneva at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to discuss an international
Lees verder..

What an Australian union teaches us about regulating platform work

Over the years, I have had countless discussions about, and conducted research into, platform work. The conversation often revolves around the same question: are platform workers employees or self-employed workers?
Lees verder..

Lena Simet (Human Rights Watch) on platform work: From turbo-capitalism to just working conditions

Lena Simet (Human Rights Watch) on platform work: From turbo-capitalism to just working conditions In The Gig Work Podcast by the WageIndicator Foundation, Martijn Arets talks to Lena Simet from
Lees verder..

Survival versus perspective? ‘It’s not about money, but about taking responsibility’

In the discussion about platform work, I keep bumping into a big dilemma. Online platforms offer a fast -access solution for work and income in the short term. At the
Lees verder..

The role of social partners in the use of AI at work

Last week, I had the opportunity to contribute to a seminar organised by the International Society for Labour and Social Security Law in collaboration with the Levenbach Institute. The theme
Lees verder..