What Do We Know about Co-Working Spaces? Trends and Challenges Ahead

Co-working spaces (CWSs) have emerged as a distinctive phenomenon in the sharing economy. They are collaborative environments that feed innovation and creativity under the slogan working alone together. While policy makers and scholars were optimistic about their role in promoting entrepreneurial endeavours and fostering growth, the spread of the COVID-19 across the world has drastically changed the way we work, communicate, and navigate daily life. This study offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on CWSs. To do so, a bibliometric analysis is proposed, combining the use of traditional bibliometric tools with science mapping techniques. A total of 118 documents are reviewed and the results are presented at two different levels: (1) descriptive analysis of the status of the research on a CWS and (2) its conceptual structure (topics and trends). The study concludes with some directions for future research. Specifically, based on the recurrent topics discussed up to date in the literature, it is possible to identify four key areas-i.e., geographical location, physical space, business models and inclusive communities-that are promising for research and that may bring useful insights for defining co-working's place in a post-pandemic society.

Automated summary

Co-working spaces (CWSs) have become a notable phenomenon in the sharing economy, fostering innovation and creativity. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly altered how people work and live. Through literature review and analysis, this study presents the current state and conceptual structure of CWSs research, and suggests directions for future research.