The impact of coworking ecosystems on strategic knowledge management, learning and innovation in start-up

Purpose Coworking spaces are key players in supporting innovation and creating a competitive advantage for individuals and start-ups. The aim of this paper is to explore the role and impact of coworking spaces on effective knowledge management, learning and innovation in start-ups. More specifically, to identify key factors influencing knowledge management efficiency of start-ups using coworking spaces, to analyse how these spaces encourage or limit tacit knowledge sharing practices of start-ups and to examine their impact on start-ups’ capability to provide innovative solutions. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted using a survey targeting coworking hubs and start-ups in Serbia. The sample consisted of 108 respondents. Data were collected via an online questionnaire distributed from September 2025 to January 2026. Findings The findings suggest that coworking spaces act as both structural and social frameworks that facilitate knowledge and learning processes and indirectly contribute to innovation, particularly within the dynamic context of start-ups. The results emphasise the importance of combining physical space design with supportive social and organisational factors to maximise the benefits of coworking ecosystems. Originality/value This research presents significant implications for coworking operators and start-up organisations. It underlines the importance of designing coworking environments that facilitate spontaneous interaction, informal communication and structured collaborative activities, to maximise the impact of these spaces on knowledge management, learning and innovation.