Mobile App and resulting Business Model for Hyper local Skill Swapping in Small Communities

Abstract

Hyperlocal skill swapping offers a modern, digitally supported way for communities to exchange services, strengthen local resilience, and foster social cohesion. Yet many sharing-economy platforms overlook mi cro-communities, where issues of trust, relevance, and participation are more pronounced. This study ex amines how a mobile application--supported by an appropriate business model--could facilitate hyperlocal skill ex-change. An online survey was carried out in a descriptive-exploratory form, where the respondent group mostly consisted of digitally advanced Generation Z users. The theoretical framework is based on community exchange systems, trust and reputation systems, mobile technology adoption, and platform economics. The results indicate that the users value trust and safety, usability, and community-based governance. Some of the essential aspects are user verification, location-matching and intuitive interface design. Low barrier business models, including commission-based or hybrid ones, were popular among the participants, and the general willingness to use the service was moderately high. The paper concludes that a successful hyperlocal skill-swapping application must incorporate both community-based features and a business model based on sustainability. Sampling and scope issues are recognized and prospective studies should involve wider demographic testing and prototype validation.