Bartering is an age old trading system, but new technology is being used to bring it bang up to date. Italy-based TimeRepublik  allows users to learn new skills without money changing hands.

The website links users with those who can help them develop new skills. Users don’t pay for the service, but rather they build up ‘hours’ by helping others. If a member tutors somebody for an hour, they receive an hour to spend learning something else from other members.

By removing money from the exchange process, the company open up new skills to a wider audience than would otherwise be able to afford to attain them. It also allows other members to gain from dormant skills they’re not currently profiting from.

Are there other services that could benefit from a bartering approach like this? I’m sure there must be.

www.timerepublik.com