Research indicates that co-working spaces may not support new businesses’ creativity long term. Haefliger and Yacoub determined (via a study published in Organization) that “Co-working spaces can limit the creativity and innovation of new businesses. . . . These shared spaces . . . may offer initial opportunities to collaborate but, before long, they ultimately inhibit the emergence of collaborative practices. . . . Findings show that the informal setting of the space [co-working site at which data were collected] initially supported collective explorations between start-ups but inhibited collaborations from developing. While the space allowed for social interactions and networking in communal kitchen, lounge and breakout areas, findings showed that firms left the space as the collaborative benefits were small and interactions became less meaningful and stilted over time. Also, firms highlighted that the space became increasingly reliant on occupancy and scalability amid its growth which negatively impacted optimal special layout and more tailored relationships with start-ups."
Luke Lambert. 2022. “Co-Working Spaces Limit Creativity in the Long Run, Finds New Study.” Press release, City, University of London, https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/12/co-working-spaces-limit-creativity-in-the-long-run-finds-new-study#