Has the geography of collaborative spaces been affected by the pandemic? France as a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the potential devolution of collaborative spaces (CSs) to rural areas during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the factors driving this shift. Using a geolocalised database of French CSs and employing a spatial Durbin model, we found that the pandemic may have driven CS distribution towards less densely populated regions. Our study highlights the impact of the pandemic on economic landscapes and spatial patterns of shared workspaces, with implications for place-based policies and regional development. The results suggest that supporting CSs in remote areas with longer commuting times and distances can address the urban–rural divide, fostering territorial resilience in the post-pandemic era.