The document provides an overview of the collaborative economy, which is driven by societal, economic, and technological factors and is disrupting existing business models and institutions. Key points include: - The collaborative economy enables sharing of goods/services between individuals rather than businesses and customers. - It is fueled by increased population density, sustainability concerns, a desire for community, and generational attitudes. - Technologies like social networks, mobile devices, and payment systems facilitate peer-to-peer sharing. - Areas like transportation, products/apparel, hospitality, and office rental have seen disruption as customers transact directly.