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Abstract in English:
This best practice report examines the status quo of university coworking with a focus on European universities. It aims to provide university administration, academic coworking space managers, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with knowledge on how to maximise the full potential of university coworking spaces.
– University coworking spaces have grown in response to the rise of flexible and community-focused work environments, the increasing focus of collaborative learning in university teaching, as well as the growing importance of universities as birthplaces for entrepreneurial ventures that require flexible office space.
– University coworking spaces foster interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging academic, professional, and entrepreneurial spheres.
– Despite slower adoption compared to commercial coworking spaces, universities are beginning to integrate spaces to meet the evolving needs of students and researchers.
– 25.6% of European universities operate coworking spaces, with most coworking spaces being situated in Northern and Western Europe. Percentagewise, universities in Denmark, France, and Ireland have the most coworking spaces. In total, the highest number of university coworking spaces are found in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
– University coworking spaces are usually situated at larger-than-average public universities that offer diverse and interdisciplinary academic studies. Further, university coworking spaces are closely connected to entrepreneurial universities and university-run business support programs, with most university coworking spaces being connected to an incubator or accelerator program.
– Five different case studies highlight how contemporary university coworking spaces can be classified into educational, technical, research, and business-focused coworking spaces.
– We present the European Academic Coworking Network that connects academic coworking spaces, their managers, and users via a digital platform, allowing free access to coworking spaces at universities around Europe.
– Based on 27 student reports, we developed four different archetypical university coworking space concepts that are specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of students. This includes spaces that focus on entrepreneurship, wellness and mental health, artisan and craftsmanship, as well as community and networking.
– Based on data gathered during four interdisciplinary courses that allowed students from our universities to work in coworking spaces, we show the various benefits of coworking spaces as novel teaching and collaboration spaces. This includes, for example, how working in coworking spaces increases the personal attitude towards coworking, innovative work behaviour, resilience, and motivation.
– Based on our findings, we conclude with several recommendations:
• University coworking space managers should focus on designing flexible and innovative work environments, fostering community to leverage networking and lasting partnerships, and promoting inclusivity to enhance user satisfaction and collaboration.
• Students should use university coworking spaces to leverage collaboration and networking, as these spaces offer the chance to participate in interdisciplinary projects and networking events. Further, they help adopt structured routines by balancing individual productivity, and collaborative opportunities and fostering informal exchange that enhances creativity and well-being.
• Scholars can use university coworking space environments to engage in interdisciplinary networking, which fosters scientific collaboration and exchange. Coworking spaces further provide them with the opportunity to engage in innovative teaching methods and engage more closely with their students, as well as entrepreneurs and industry representatives.
• Coworking researchers should investigate the impact of university coworking spaces on knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking. Further, they should compare the effectiveness of different coworking space types, as well as test how spatial design, technological advancements, and hybrid coworking models enhance user experiences and benefits.
Open Access? Yes
Publication Year 2025
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17877/DE290R-25360