TWO Heads are Better than One

Abstract

This thesis aims at assessing the economic effects of the phenomenon coworking. This innovative workplace unites self-employed, flexible workers and students, in which the respective groups exchange knowledge and join forces in common projects. According to the endogenous growth theory, this process should lead to the formation of human capital, which is considered an engine of endless economic growth in the knowledge society. By means of an empirical research conducted in the coworking communities across the Netherlands, this explorative study finds that coworking enhances knowledge diffusion, sustains productivity growth and fosters innovation. Furthermore regression analysis has established that users of coworking spaces have a significantly higher income than the average entrepreneur. These findings are interesting for a country, which main source of economic growth constitutes technological progress.