Sharing and exchange dynamics in entrepreneurial spaces: a systematic literature review and conceptualization

Abstract

Over the past decade, the rise of shared spaces such as coworking spaces, makerspaces, and incubators, collectively known as Entrepreneurial Spaces, has significantly shaped scholarly discourse and entrepreneurial activities. Within these spaces, sharing is paramount, as it fundamentally shapes the dynamics of collaboration, innovation, resource utilization, and the distribution of knowledge, skills, and resources among entrepreneurs. As these spaces evolve, the complexity of sharing mechanisms - ranging from simple resource sharing to complex knowledge and skill exchanges - increased. To address the conceptual inconsistencies of entrepreneurial spaces and understand the dynamics of sharing and exchange within them, we analyzed 68 articles on entrepreneurial spaces.

Based on our analysis, we develop a framework that categorizes entrepreneurial spaces based on the institutionalization of interaction and the level of sharing into Shared Entrepreneurial Spaces and Exchange Entrepreneurial Spaces. The insights gained advance our understanding of sharing and exchange mechanisms and help clarify the motivational factors influencing engagement in these spaces. It also sets a research agenda for exploring social dynamics, potential conflicts, and transforming spaces into places. This research deepens the discourse on entrepreneurial spaces, refines categorization criteria, and develops frameworks to enhance their management and utility.