More than just co-working? How co-working spaces frame their role and impact in entrepreneurial ecosystems

Little is understood of how enterprise support organisations frame their role and impact in entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE). To explore this gap, we conduct a narrative analysis of co-working spaces’ (CWS) impact and evaluation reports. Our analysis reveals the use of three frames. Objective frames, which include scaling technology ventures, facilitating social innovation, or developing specific communities. Impact frames which include well-being and productivity, venture creation and growth, and community outreach. Driving these objectives are specific coordinating frames, peer support, bespoke support, EE facilitation, and mentor networks. The implications of these heterogenous narratives are discussed in relation to the current literature that considers the role of ESOs in EE coordination.