Location dynamics of coworking spaces in China: insights from Beijing metropolitan

This paper explores the location determinants of coworking spaces (CSs) in the Chinese capital of Beijing, thusfilling the gap in the literature about CS location in urban China. The study applies a count data model (CDM)to the data collected in 2022 to answer three research questions: (1) Where are CSs located and what are thelocation determinants? (2) How does Beijing’s urban structure affect CS location determinants? (3) What roledo creative industry specialisation, variety, government facilities and incentives play in CS location? Thefindings reveal that CSs in Beijing – most of them promoted by public authorities – tend to cluster in thecentral city where there is a high diversity of knowledge-intensive and creative industries. The semi-polycentric urban structure of Beijing affects the location of CSs by creating localised activity hubs.Furthermore, the study finds evidence that creative industry specialisation and variety are crucial factors inCS location. In addition, government facilities and incentives play a key role in driving their locations.