Co-Working Spaces as Third Place: Initiatives for Sharing Economy Development

Coworking spaces (CWS) have become an important alternative for modern workplaces, providing not just essential amenities like office equipment and internet access, but also areas designed for relaxation and socializing. Over the last decade, their rapid expansion has positioned them as key actors within the sharing economy, promoting collective use of both work and social environments. Despite their rapid growth, the internal dynamics and operational models of coworking spaces remain underexplored in the management literature. This study aims to map the intellectual landscape of coworking spaces by situating them as “third places” within the broader framework of the sharing economy. Drawing on bibliometric analysis and data visualization tools such as VOSviewer, the research identifies core theoretical approaches and examines the economic and urban implications of coworking practices. Recent literature increasingly emphasizes the concept of the “third place”—a hybrid space that bridges the home and the office—where coworking spaces play a central role in shaping flexible work arrangements and urban labor geographies. The analysis research reveals an increasing academic interest in the intersection of social, economic, and technological factors in coworking spaces. Key themes that emerged include the “sharing economy,”“entrepreneurship,”“Innovation,” and “coworking,” each contributing to the reconfiguration of coworking models. Among these, the sharing economy stands out as a pivotal theme, closely linked to sustainability initiatives, and innovative business practices. Graphical representations illustrate the interconnectedness of these concepts and their significance within the coworking discourse.