Regenerating peripheral regions of Norway and Italy Profiling coworking and exploring the Covid-19 effects

The role of peripheral regions and new rural policies have gained greater momentum during the pandemic, considering the effects of distance working and opportunities for people to move to new working spaces such as coworking spaces, as well as working remotely from second homes and from other locations. However, there are limited studies on rural coworking spaces compared to urban models and places of coworking. In addition to the rural depopulation trends in Europe, and differences between Norway and Italy, the paper explores the profiles of coworking spaces and remote working in two selected rural regions of Vestland (Norway) and Sicily (Italy), and the effects of COVID-19 for decentralized areas and communities, including, users, managers, and other remote workers. The study analyses the current rural policies and direct and indirect measures to support the coworking spaces and activities. Outcomes from the interviews with the local managers show the key role of coworking spaces in revitalizing the rural areas and attracting newcomers. The study contributes to understanding new rural strategies and emerging ways of working.