Co-working spaces in Porto, Portugal: collaborative economy within capitalism reforms or anti-capitalist experiences?

Abstract

Co-working spaces are collaborative economic practices that have been gaining increasing visibility in the last decade in European cities. In Porto, these practices are currently quite popular. In this research, the authors map and characterize co-working spaces in Porto, aiming to analize their spatial distribution and perceptions, motivations and opinions of their owners / managers. Based on content analysis of web sites and three semi-structured interviews with managers and owners of co-working spaces, we propose in this article a new approach to the subject, in order to understand which dimensions of capitalism profit orientation; organizational structure; professional autonomy and responsibility; organizational responsibility are transformed or abolished in these economic activities.