New working spaces in management sciences: a systematic review and knowledge transfer for socioeconomic geography

Alicja Koperska

doi:10.18778/1733-3180.36.02

Authors

Alicja Koperska Poznan University of Economics and Business, Department of Labour and Social Policy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2075-7732

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-3180.36.02

Keywords:

new working space, collaborative spaces, fabrication laboratory, makerspace, hackerspace

Abstract

New Working Spaces (NWS) constitute an innovative organisational form that deviates from traditional organisational structures. Characterised by open membership, these spaces integrate craftsmen, artists, and creators operating as freelancers or micro- entrepreneurs. A distinct category of NWS encompasses makerspaces, hackerspaces, and fab labs, which – in contrast to conventional coworking offices – emphasise production, construction, and craft activities, frequently employing advanced technologies. These spaces not only facilitate access to technical infrastructure but also cultivate an environment conducive to development through knowledge exchange and networking. Research on NWS has developed within two main disciplines: socioeconomic geography and management sciences. While socioeconomic geography focuses on spatial distribution patterns, impacts on local economy, and regional development dynamics, management sciences have made significant contributions to understanding the organisational aspects of new working spaces, community-building within them, and the mechanisms of innovation processes occurring there. Given the growing number of such spaces in Poland and the simultaneous lack of research combining management and geographical perspectives, there appears to be a need to deepen knowledge transfer between these disciplines. This article presents a systematic literature review of makerspaces, hackerspaces, and fab labs in social sciences, with particular emphasis on research useful for scholars within socioeconomic geography. The article presents scientific achievements from various disciplines, covering the main research streams concerning collaborative spaces, key concepts, and empirical findings. One of the objectives is to facilitate access for socioeconomic geography researchers to findings on NWS from management sciences and related fields. Two bibliometric analysis tools were used to prepare the analysis, namely Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. This overview can serve as a starting point for further research on the role of new working spaces in local and regional development.

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