Collaborate to Innovate: How co-working can facilitate collaboration and innovation in your business.
Traditionally co-working spaces allowed freelance or independent professionals to work alongside one another, but on their own projects. Going beyond just providing a convenient professional space for people to work, co-working has allowed independent workers and small businesses to further their education through programs and events, make new and diverse business contacts, and remaining innovative and creative.
As co-working has evolved and companies have become more agile and flexible, and the benefits of co-working spaces have been more broadly understood, more and more businesses are looking to a co-working solution for their business.
While the experience of all co-workers -- and coworking spaces themselves -- varies greatly, there is extensive research demonstrating the advantages of using a coworking space over a standard office.
“Co-working at CORE is very attractive to Aldoro Resources. As a junior exploration company, CORE provides all the facilities of a large corporation at a fraction of the cost. This partnership also gives us the flexibility to scale as needed.”
The benefits of co-working in numbers
Studies on co-working spaces have shown that individuals and organisations utilising co-working spaces demonstrate more productivity and a larger business network and higher willingness to collaborate both within and outside the business.
Collaboration and Innovation go hand-in-hand
Research at the University of Tennessee has found innovation and collaboration are not mutually exclusive; they feed and build upon each other.
As Forbes author, Jate Vitasek highlights, “It’s not “either-or.” Innovation happens through collaboration. And the best organizations are not only harnessing innovation from their employees, but also from outsiders such as suppliers or competitors.”
But, how do co-working spaces harness collaboration and innovation in the workplace?
Collaboration involves three basic aspects: relationships, process and outcomes. Collaboration means to work together (relationships) toward (process) something in common (outcomes).
Co-working spaces such as CORE Innovation Hub offer entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses a unique opportunity to collaborate and leverage ideas, not just within their organisations but between other organisations as well.
CORE members are given access to more than just a desk. With access to events, networking and programs designed to build skills and expertise. The opportunity for members to grow professionally while building active industry relevant networks is far greater than any traditional office could provide.
“The CORE staff make the space more than just a spot to rent some square footage.”
Amplifying Innovation with an Ecosystem
This ability to harness ideas, information and expertise is amplified when a co-working community is geared towards a specific industry. Building an industry ecosystem that goes beyond co-working allows for shared knowledge and connection across the mining and energy industry.
This unique industry focus gives CORE Innovation Hub a distinct advantage over other co-working communities. CORE members, energy and mining professionals in their own right, have direct access to industry experts, business leaders, and technologists from across the mining and energy sector. CORE members are able to share knowledge and information, develop strong working relationships across the sector and use what they have in common to create new opportunities and solve even greater problems.