Post by Dr. Laura Thäter

Apparently I needed some time to let this one sink in… I defended my PhD at Johannes Kepler Universität Linz in February. And only now it really starts to feel real: it’s done. 🎓✅ Over the last four years the following question kept pulling me in: What if what we often describe as the erosion of labour relations in the platform economy is also a moment where something new can emerge? Instead of looking only at what is being lost, I tried to understand how platforms, workers, unions, and even technologies quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) try to reshape the rules of the game. Not as a linear story of decline, but as a contested space where very different possible futures of work are being negotiated. 👉 For those curious to read more: https://lnkd.in/dTrnNE7Q Looking back, this journey has been one of curiosity, joy, and continuous learning—not only about academia, but also about life and myself. It opened doors I would never have dared to imagine—from a research stay at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford to many conferences, conversations, and collaborations —and connected me with people who shaped my learning journey in profound ways. I’m deeply grateful to Thomas Gegenhuber, who sparked my initial curiosity for research and showed me that academia can be a collaborative, generous, and genuinely joyful space—and that the people we walk alongside matter just as much as the work itself. To Elke Schuessler, for her clarity, rigor, deep expertise, and support —and for being such an important role model along the way. To Robert M. Bauer, who guided me through the final stage of this journey. And to Johanna Mair, with whom I had the privilege of kick-starting my research journey in 2020, and whose way of approaching complex problems has shaped how I think and the questions I choose to pursue. I feel very fortunate to have been accompanied by so many curious, thoughtful, and supportive people along the way. …and I’m excited to keep thinking about these questions a little longer @JKU - Linz Institute for Transformative Change (LIFT_C) ✨