Reflecting on "Gravity" versus "Weightless" trade models

Chris Grey includes a brief exposition on the fallacy of political actors claiming the emergence of a new “post-geography trading world” (political dogma than a trade model as such) (link to Brexit limps on post of Fri 23 April 21)

"Munchau also regurgitates the idea that modern economies are becoming all about data trade (i.e. the ‘weightless economy’ mantra that’s been around for decades) and makes the claim that gravity models of trade (i.e. that geographical distance matters) only apply to goods trade. The latter has long been a favourite idea amongst Brexiters, such as former International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who talk of a ‘post-geography trading world’, but it is largely incorrect."

Freelancing crowdsourcing

Digital platform companies in the mediated freelancing microwork space include Upwork (rebranded merged entity Elance-oDesk). Uber, MTurk, Deliveroo and others.

So we’re talking about platforms, more formally, 2-sided platforms. These platforms act as mediators between those who want a service, and those who can deliver a service. There are risks to actors on both sides of the platform aren’t there? Risks to both micro-workers and (presumably) the micro-employers