In their article "Exploding myths about the gig economy", Bughin and Mischke (2016) discuss different aspects of the independent work force in economies and how it is hard to evaluate its upsides and downsides because of wrongfully depiction from out-of-date statistics. Since technology has evolved in such a rapid speed compared to traditional economic theories of growth, it most likely has resulted in an out-of-date way to consider how individuals now can earn income and contribute to economic growth through more than one singular choice of livelihood. Economic models are built on assumptions of traditional ways to earn an income, which policymakers are most likely to follow for simple, comprehensible legislation. However, since the independent work force is increasing due to both extensive technology developments and an increased wish for autonomy and flexibility can cause traditional economic models to become outdated too alongside old legislation since policymakers have a significant impact on economic growth.
Due to varying rates of independent workers by choice Bughin and Mischke (2016) found between countries, it would be interesting to look closer at whether satisfaction of independent work is a factor which corresponds with economic growth. Since the authors do not bring up how satisfaction of independent work by choice is affected by a country's economic state it could be an issue to further investigate. Spain for instance has an independent working force of 58% and compared to Sweden's and the UK's percentage of 74% it is worth to notice whether these percentages would change correspondingly with an economy's well-being. Otherwise, it could reflect on an issue harder to define, for instance cultural aspects differentiating between countries as well. This reflects back onto Bughin and Mischke's main concern with the independent work force; it is an issue hard to measure but a topic of discussion worth having.
