Unpacking the multiple spaces of innovation hubs

Innovation hubs, hailed as coworking spaces that support collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship, are rapidly diffusing across different regions of the world. In this study we examine two innovation hubs situated in starkly different locations: London and Lusaka. We examine them from a social production of space perspective to understand how, despite similar self-defined framing as hubs, they differently enact the day-to-day physical and social spaces. Our study shows the need to recognize “multiplicity of spaces” and a sensitivity to the politics of lived differences between the celebrated imaginary and the performed local practices of innovation hubs, as part of a global phenomenon.