Currently I see two very important developments in coworking. One is the increase in collaboration between coworkers for example in the jelly coworking mode (example Jellyweek). Secondly I see more collaborations between spaces and coworking operators like in Prague and Seattle ( as described in this article below). Both developments use „Free Coworking“ and help to bring about a more integrated and interconnected coworking community.
In his talk on „Science and Practice of Cooperation“ (see Video below thx David Hodgson for sharing) Harvard Professor Yochai Benkler develops the idea of systems of self-interest and systems of collaboration. In terms of computer hardware and software these systems could be identified with people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates on the one hand and networks and developments like Linux and Open Source on the other. In terms of knowledge transfer they could have representatives like Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia. Yochai Benkler is not a complete critic of the system of self-interest although he presents ample evidence that systems of collaboration are not only feasible, but also more sustainable and human.
We are very happy that a number of coworking space operators have already commented on our „Free Coworking“ Campaign and joined the „Free Coworking“ Facebook group. One of them is Ronald van den Hoff (Author, Co-Founder and Trend Strategist of Seats2meet). Here we like to present his comment in full, he posted on CoWorking News:
„Let me indulge you with some background how we set up the operation of our Seats2meet.com co-working concept and dealt with the free co-working business model:
Many people think that „Free Coworking“ is just an idea. No!!! There are already places that offer „Free Coworking“!!! One of them is Gangplank in Chandler (Arizona). One very important contributor to finance „Gangplank“ is the council of Chandler: „Gangplank is a meeting place available to anyone interested in working in an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. It offers free conference rooms and a large area where individuals can participate in mentoring sessions and listen to regularly scheduled brown bag lunch speakers. The City’s partnership with Gangplank entails an exchange of subsidized office space for new technological developments that benefit the community. It is a forward thinking partnership meant to encourage other innovative developments in our downtown.“
First of all a big thank you to Jay for his great comment and very valuable points concerning the introduction of „Free Coworking“ in an already running coworking space!!! I am taking the unusual step to reply to his comment in a blog article, because I believe many people are interested to join the discussion.
