Uber is now encouraging its United States drivers to conduct food deliveries. The platform will also send all the drivers on its platform a push notification that outlines the process of making food deliveries for Uber Eats. The company is encouraging its drivers to pivot due to the decrease in requested rides as many people are remaining indoors during the outbreak of COVID-19. However many people are still ordering food through Uber Eats, so the food delivery platform may require more delivery personal.
It is clear that Uber is attempting to alter its platform to meet changing consumer demands in the wake of COVID-19, and the rapidly changing landscape could provide the company with an opportunity to move its capacity into food delivery services.
Capacity-Shifting Ride-Hailing Platforms
Uber is Suggesting Its Drivers Move into Food Deliveries
Trend Themes
1. Ride-hailing to Food Delivery Shift - The trend of ride-hailing companies like Uber moving towards food delivery to adapt to changing consumer demands presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the food delivery industry.
2. Push Notifications for Gig Workers - The trend of sending push notifications to gig workers to encourage them to pivot towards new services due to changing circumstances presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the gig economy industry.
3. Demand for More Food Delivery Personnel - The trend of increased demand for food delivery personnel due to COVID-19 presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the food delivery and logistics industries.
Industry Implications
1. Ride-hailing Industry - The shift of ride-hailing companies towards food delivery presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the ride-hailing industry itself, as companies may need to restructure their business models for the new demand.
2. Food Delivery Industry - The increased demand for food delivery services presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the food delivery industry, particularly in areas such as delivery logistics and safety measures for workers.
3. Gig Economy Industry - The trend of sending push notifications to gig workers to encourage them to pivot towards new services presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the gig economy industry, such as new platforms or tools to help facilitate these transitions.