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Word mark "Entrepreneurship and Digitalization"
Department of Business and Economics
Studenten im Sommer auf dem Campus Nord, rote Zahnräder im Hintergrund © Roland Baege​/​TU Dortmund

New publication in Studies in Higher Education

How can universities design coworking spaces that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, collaborative learning, and entrepreneurship? This question is addressed in the new study “Designing university coworking spaces: A two-study investigation of provider and user perspectives,” which has now been published in the journal Studies in Higher Education (VHB A).

Together with Magdalena Weber, Marko Orel, and Sandra Julia Diller, Simon Hensellek and Jonah Weißwange used surveys, interviews, and student projects at universities in Austria, Czechia, France, and Germany to investigate how universities can successfully develop coworking spaces.

The results show that

  • University coworking spaces function as “third spaces” that combine academic, entrepreneurial, and social activities.
  • Successful design combines flexible room design, active community management, and digital infrastructure.
  • Early involvement of users—teachers, students, and managers—is crucial for inclusive and innovative learning and working environments.

Against the backdrop of increasing flexibility in work, learning, and research, university coworking spaces can become central hubs in the academic ecosystem—they connect teaching, research, and entrepreneurship in new ways.

Citation: Weißwange, J., Weber, M., Orel, M., Hensellek, S., & Diller, S. J. (2025). Designing university coworking spaces: A two-study investigation of provider and user perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2025.2576828

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