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Rural coworking attracts professionals and combats depopulation in Catalonia

Professionals seek a more balanced life in rural settings, boosting local economies and creating new opportunities.

Rural coworking space with views of the Catalan landscape.
IA

Rural coworking space with views of the Catalan landscape.

Professionals from various fields are opting to settle in Catalan rural areas, driven by improved telecommunications and the pursuit of a more balanced life, thus contributing to the fight against depopulation.

Remote work has become a viable option for many professionals, enabling a move from large cities to rural areas. Enhancements in telecommunication networks and the digitalization of public administrations have facilitated this transition, meeting the growing demand from professionals seeking a more balanced lifestyle with reduced commutes and greater connection to nature.
An example of this trend is Pilar Andrés Munté, a lawyer who decided to leave her Barcelona office ten years ago to return to Riba-roja d'Ebre, in the Ribera d'Ebre region. With the local council's support, she connected with Begoña Garcia, the initiator of the rural coworking space in the town, and made the change. Despite initial reservations from her former firm, Andrés Munté continues to practice law from Riba-roja d'Ebre.
Begoña Garcia is the founder of Cowocat Rural, a network of co-working spaces in rural areas. Launched in 2015 with the aim of promoting economic diversification in rural zones through Leader grants, the network now comprises over 50 shared workspaces across Catalonia. Garcia emphasizes the initiative's importance in curbing depopulation by creating opportunities for those wishing to return to their home regions.
The Cowocat Rural network shows a significant female presence, with women making up 61% of its users. Most members are between 46 and 50 years old and hold higher education degrees. The most represented sectors are IT and information technologies (24%), marketing and communication (21%), and graphic design (17%). This work model leads to increased well-being and economic benefits, stemming from lower housing costs and reduced travel expenses.
Garcia highlights that rural coworking benefits both professionals, who can expand their client base locally, and the territory itself, which gains access to services. To further promote this network, the annual CoworkFest is organized. In its fifth edition, running until June 7th, sixteen Catalan spaces are offering public activities in collaboration with UOC, Fundació i2CAT, and the Xarxa d'Ateneus Cooperatius. Cowocat Rural, a pioneer in Europe, continues to be an international benchmark.

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