Evolving geography of coworking spaces in Pune: drivers of growth in knowledge clusters

Abstract In this study, we analyzed the transformation of coworking geography before and after COVID-19 across 335 locations in Pune and used kernel density to select two clusters for this research. This paper presents an empirical investigation of socioeconomic determinants and lifestyle factors in conjunction with Coworking spaces, along with the behavioral choice factors of coworking spaces as identified in the literature and primary surveys. Empirical investigations using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) are conducted for two knowledge clusters in Kalyani Nagar and Baner, using variables from Census data, OpenStreetMap (OSM), Open Government data, and PCMC data. The analysis reveals that "Lifestyle choice factors", "Hotel Locations", and "Urban built growth rate" have significant impacts on Coworking spaces. Lastly, the paper proposes various recommendations that serve as an impetus for a better, more conducive environment for a prospering knowledge economy through effective and efficient policy measures.