Title: Exploring the coworking space as an innovation intermediary: a case study in Amsterdam

Authors: Victor Cabral; Willem van Winden

Addresses: Centre for Applied Research on Economics and Management, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Wibautstraat 3B, 1091 GH Amsterdam, the Netherlands ' Centre for Applied Research on Economics and Management, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Wibautstraat 3B, 1091 GH Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Abstract: This qualitative study investigates the role of coworking spaces as innovation intermediaries, focusing on a specific case study in Amsterdam. We introduce a comprehensive framework that integrates five key coworking space units and delineates three primary innovation intermediary roles: facilitation, configuring, and brokering. Our research underscores the significance of both online and offline managerial interventions that stimulate social interaction, content configuration by staff and community members, active brokering through community managers, and formal/informal events. These strategic interventions collectively enhance information flows and knowledge exchange among entrepreneurs. This study contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms through which coworking spaces facilitate innovation intermediation in support of entrepreneurial endeavours.

Keywords: innovation intermediary; coworking spaces; entrepreneurs; social networks; managerial interventions; knowledge exchange; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2024.137599

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2024 Vol.14 No.1, pp.87 - 111

Received: 06 Mar 2023
Accepted: 10 Feb 2024
Published online: 27 Mar 2024 *

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