Alexandra Savina, Researcher at the Gaidar Institute's Quantitative Analysis of Economic Effects Department, discussed the current situation regarding marketplace regulation. Alexandra Savina noted that while the debate was intensifying, the platforms themselves had a tool to mitigate concerns, that is, greater data transparency.
The expert explained that international studies looking into the impact of platform logistics infrastructure on regional economies demonstrated a positive effect. The emergence of marketplace logistics centers had a positive impact on employment and household income, and new online retail channels were complementary rather than substitutive to traditional retail.
According to Alexandra Savina, the initial findings of a similar study for Russia, carried out by the Gaidar Institute, point to positive trends, as well. Marketplaces are supporting growth in trade turnover and are not leading to a decrease in the number of off-line outlets. It means that no substitution effect of traditional retail is observed yet.
However, the expert notes that the key problem is a lack of data. While foreign platforms provide researchers with accurate information, Russian marketplaces are reluctant to disclose it and even tend to overstate some indicators, thus limiting the possibilities for high-quality analysis.
In the current situation, where regulation of marketplaces is becoming increasingly restrictive, the disclosure of more detailed information (not only financial) could play a positive role for platforms, as it would make it feasible to show their positive contribution to regional economies and thereby alleviate at least some of the concerns, Alexandra Savina sums it up.