The irruption of the on-demand economy has impacts on various markets, as well as on public transport, tourism and the outsourcing of services such as translation or accounting. The region has been taken by surprise in this area and policy responses have tended to be erratic and driven by circumstantial pressures. Involving SMEs actively in the creation and operation of applications in the on-demand economy would increase their chances of thriving. This panel will examine alternatives for absorbing this new reality into the economy and enhancing its effects on business productivity and consumer well-being, and will identify policy measures to help SMEs move in this direction.