network of coworking spaces

The new dynamics of work present themselves as excellent means to innovate in the territorial context, with particular emphasis on low density territories, where the Network of Historical Villages of Portugal is included.

In this favourable framework the Historical Villages of Portugal - Association for Tourism Development, in cooperation with the municipalities that integrate the Network, moved forward with the structuring of a network of coworking spaces as a strategy for attracting new residents and talent and boosting local chains, since it is considered that there are comparative and competitive advantages.

To this end, from the outset: a) the availability of buildings from the public purse; b) fibre optics and high speed internet; c) an ecosystem capable of evolving into a concept of coliving; d) available investment by the municipalities, together with their willingness and commitment; e) complementary services of public and private scope capable of enhancing attractiveness, namely in the area of work life balance, together with those necessary for the development of the activity; f) a potentially safer environment in the context of the pandemic given the reduced demography.

To implement this strategy, the initiative is based on partnerships of different nature, is focused on collaborative action and the use of endogenous resources based on the concept of "green" economy, in an intelligent diversification, never forgetting the social dimension that is involved here, namely countering the population retraction that over the years has promoted a significant cumulative circular causality difficult to reverse.

In this context and although the Network of coworking spaces can accommodate different types of users, preference is given to those who can contribute to the strengthening of the sectors considered as smart specialisation mentioned in the previous point. Each municipality, in consultation with the AHP-ADT, should identify the vocation or vocations to be associated with the coworking space in its Village, in order to better adapt the space and the communication strategy to attract users based on the different profiles.

Alongside other measures that the Network has been developing to improve its attractiveness in terms of impact, it is hoped that this initiative will increase
a) Generational renewal by attracting new permanent and/or temporary residents;
b) Quality of life, through better access to services, diversification of the economic base and job creation;
c) The valorisation of local products, the landscape, heritage and culture in a logic of projection, wealth generation and intelligent diversification;
d) A culture of networking;
e) Contributing to the smart, inclusive and sustainable growth of the Network.