Coworking Spaces and the Localized Dynamics of Innovation in Barcelona

Capdevila, I., 2015. Co-Working Spaces and the Localised Dynamics of Innovation in Barcelona. International Journal of Innovation Management, 19(3).

25 Pages Posted: 30 Sep 2014 Last revised: 8 Nov 2015

Date Written: August 1, 2014

Abstract

The innovative capacity of cities does not exclusively depend on the innovation processes managed by local firms. This paper considers a multi-level perspective to analyze the crucial role of individuals and communities outside firms in the dynamics of innovation in cities. Through a qualitative study of the communities emerging in coworking spaces in Barcelona, we disentangle the different dynamics of innovation involving community insiders and local actors (firms, citizens and governmental bodies). We argue that coworking spaces act as intermediaries between creative individuals (“the underground”) and innovative firms (“the upperground”), contributing to the interaction between colocated actors through the articulation of places, spaces, projects and events. The results lead to suggestions for policies to contribute to the emergence and development of innovation in cities by fostering innovative processes outside firms.

Keywords: dynamics of innovation; innovation in cities; coworking spaces, middleground; innovation communities

Suggested Citation

Capdevila, Ignasi, Coworking Spaces and the Localized Dynamics of Innovation in Barcelona (August 1, 2014). Capdevila, I., 2015. Co-Working Spaces and the Localised Dynamics of Innovation in Barcelona. International Journal of Innovation Management, 19(3)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2502813 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2502813

Ignasi Capdevila (Contact Author)

Paris School of Business ( email )

59 Rue Nationale
Paris, 75013
France

HOME PAGE: http://www.ignasi.cat

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