Le coworking en région au Québec : une innovation territoriale et entrepreneuriale contribuant au développement local?

Abstract

Coworking spaces first appeared in large metropolitan cities across the globe and have multiplied in various regions since. They are centered on knowledge exchanges, collaboration, networking and territorial innovation. While the large metropolitan spaces have been well studied, they have not been studied in regional and smaller places. We thus decided to research coworking spaces in small Québec cities or regions. We observed that while these spaces usually have the same objectives of cooperation and networking, they also present differences. Coworkers are usually a bit older and more often have an entrepreneurial disposition, even if they are also self-employed. Coworking spaces are less numerous in regions and small cities, and less centered on differentiation by the decoration or ambience, or animation services. Coworkers in regional places are more preoccupied with the entrepreneurial and management support, business services, and sometimes also with their contribution to local territorial development.