Cultural Dimensions and Entrepreneurial Innovation in Co-Working Spaces
Socio-Spatial Insights from Tirana
Authors
MSc. Belma AJAZI, Advocacy Architects, United States of America
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xhimi HYSA, POLIS University
Dr. Gennaro MAIONE, San Raffaele University of Rome
Abstract
This paper investigates the socio-cultural factors influencing innovative entrepreneurial behavior
within co-working spaces in Tirana, Albania – an emerging urban setting marked by a nascent but
rapidly developing startup ecosystem. Grounded in Hofstede’s 6-D Model of National Culture, the
study explores how cultural dimensions such as power distance, individualism, and uncertainty
avoidance shape entrepreneurial dynamics and innovation processes in shared work environments.
Co-working spaces have increasingly become integral to urban transformation, acting as nodes of
knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. Despite substantial investments in education
and early-stage tech ventures, Albania has yet to produce startups with international visibility and
sustainable growth. This research analyzes survey data collected from four co-working spaces in
Tirana (using purposive sampling) to assess how national cultural values manifest in these spatial
environments and impact the scalability of entrepreneurial initiatives. Findings reveal specific
cultural barriers embedded in the daily practices and social interactions of co-working communities,
which may constrain or delay innovation. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for
enhancing the socio-spatial design and cultural adaptability of co-working ecosystems in
developing urban contexts. By situating co-working spaces within broader urban and territorial
frameworks, this study contributes to the discourse on how socio-cultural innovation can drive
inclusive and resilient urban development in low-to-medium income countries.
Keywords
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, co-working spaces, entrepreneurial innovation, Albanian startup
ecosystem, urban transformation, national culture and entrepreneurship
