In a recent study published in Regional Studies, Felicia Fai, Phil Tomlinson and Mariachiara Barzotto (University of Bath, School of Management) explored how coworking spaces might contribute to place-based policy and regional development, especially in provincial towns/cities and rural/coastal areas. The research team conducted interviews and focus group data from regional stakeholders (Coworking space managers, users and local policymakers) in three English local enterprise partnership areas to examine the extent to which the attributes of CWSs contribute to ‘six capitals’ (physical, intangible, human, social, finance and institutional) widely considered to be the foundations of regional development. They also identify the challenges faced along the way and share policy recommendations. Their analysis suggests coworking spaces should at least be part of place-based policy conversations around placemaking and the revival of places.
Read more here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00343404.2024.2399282
This short video explains the study and the key results.
The study was funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) Made Smarter Innovation Challenge and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) via InterAct [grant number ES/W007231/1]