Coworking: key elements for the innovative entrepreneurial environment

The offer of coworking spaces have been growing in Brazil in recent years, due to the search for cost reduction and collaborative work. These spaces allow the shared use of resources, ideas and services. The present study targeted the identification of the fundamental elements for a coworking space, in order to create an innovative and enterpreneurial environment. This study was conducted using a phenomenological and qualitative methodology, aiming to describe the experience inside a coworking environment, regarding the identification of the fundamental elements in an innovative shared services space. From the several different kinds of coworking spaces, the type which focuses its actions in technology startups is particularly distinguishible. Interviews were conducted with representatives from five coworking spaces. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed, thus leading to the conclusion that coworking spaces provide innovation when they enable collaborative work. Participating in events strengthens networking, making it possible for a coworker to come up with solutions to for another coworker’s projects.