The Coworking (R)evolution

The digitalization of work processes and the generalization of IT are creating unprecedented opportunities. An increasing part of the workforce is experimenting with new forms of work, as freelancers, self-employed or highly skilled employees with greater autonomy. International in scope, this book comprehensively explores these new models of work, mobility and life trajectories, and the increasing role of non-metropolitan coworking spaces. This interdisciplinary book investigates new trends in relationships between work, life plans, work-life balance, and mobility in the context of ongoing societal digitalization. An expert group of contributors adopts a comparative approach in assessing the coworking phenomenon. They examine the social embeddedness of collaborative workspaces and consider topics such as social exchange, cooperation, and collaboration, critically assessing the question of individual and collective mobilities, and exploring the historical roots of coworking and its developing meanings and uses in practice. Gathering a wide variety of studies which investigate the diversity of social trajectories, institutional context, social transition, cooperation, policy measures, and mobility patterns, this book will be an interesting read for academics and students in the fields of organizational behavior, human geography, sociology of work, cities, and regional studies. Politicians interested in territorial development, elected officials, workers of municipalities and regions, and journalists who cover work issues, will similarly find this to be a beneficial read.