Flexible geographies of new working spaces

Abstract

The emergence of new working spaces (e.g. coworking spaces, third places, makerspaces, fab labs) is a phenomenon reflecting a broader change in the current digital economy from predominantly traditional offices and hierarchical structures to a more fluid way of working based on projects, networks, and collaborations. The articles published in this special issue reflect on the flexible geographies induced by these new working spaces, focusing on a variety of perspectives relating to (i) location patterns and determinants of new working spaces and coworking spaces in both urban and rural areas; (ii) their economic viability, liveability, and competitiveness; and (iii) members’ lifestyles and work-life balance.