This study examines the colocation patterns of coworking spaces (CWSs) and knowledge-intensive services (KIS) in Bavaria, Germany. Using K-density functions, the findings reveal that urban areas foster CWS development through economic diversity and interdisciplinary knowledge environments. Tailored regional policies, including incentives for operators, investments in digital infrastructure and initiatives to attract digital nomads, are recommended to promote CWSs in urban and non-urban areas. These insights emphasise the role of CWSs in driving innovation, economic resilience and sustainable work practices, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders in diverse regional settings.

This paper examines how interactions between knowledge-intensive services (KIS) firms and coworking spaces (CWS) in different types of tourist subregions may shape local innovation ecosystems (LIE) in Bavaria. By differentiating between types of tourism—cultural, sports, regional, and international—and contrasting urban and non-urban contexts, the study investigates how tourism environments influence the presence and configuration of CWS in the context of LIE. Using K-density functions and regional firm-level data, the analysis reveals that non-urban CWS are often located in areas characterized by international, sports and cultural tourism, attracting digital nomads and working tourists. While urban CWS show stronger co-location with knowledge-intensive services (KIS), in peripheral areas, tourism emerges as a key factor associated with CWS development. The findings suggest that tourism-oriented CWS may foster local innovation ecosystems, calling for policies that connect tourism planning with digital infrastructure and support for mobile workers.