The research project “MALA – Mobile Work in Rural Areas” was commissioned by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) and financed by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It ran from 1 April 2020 until 31 December 2022 and was carried out by the Institute for Transport and Rural Space at Fachhochschule Erfurt in cooperation with the cooperative CoWorkLand e.G. and other regional partners. The study aimed to identify how digitalisation can create new opportunities for rural communities by promoting mobile and multi‑local working arrangements while keeping them anchored in village life.

The project’s scientific work was organised in four phases. First, a literature review and a mapping of existing mobile work forms were conducted to establish a baseline of prevalence and drivers. Second, a field survey was carried out in rural districts across Thuringia, involving semi‑structured interviews with local authorities, business owners, and potential users of co‑working facilities. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using qualitative coding to extract recurring themes and success factors. Third, the team developed a practical guide for stakeholders, summarising the findings and providing actionable recommendations. Finally, the results were disseminated through a report, a brochure for the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture, and a series of workshops for local decision makers.

The technical findings of the study highlight that co‑working spaces in rural areas must be highly adaptable to local needs. No single “ideal” model emerged; instead, successful spaces were characterised by a central location—often near a train station or village centre—combined with reliable broadband and mobile coverage. Proximity to everyday amenities such as cafés, bakeries, or shops was also identified as a key factor for user satisfaction. The physical layout of the spaces varied widely, ranging from repurposed factory halls and abandoned schools to mobile units such as containers or modular buildings. In all cases, the interior design was deliberately distinct from typical home offices, featuring ergonomic furniture such as height‑adjustable desks, specialised equipment for knowledge workers (e.g., high‑speed printers) or for craftsmen (e.g., air‑pressure tools), and well‑planned communal areas to foster interaction.

The study also examined the legal and financial structures that underpin rural co‑working initiatives. It found that there is no single optimal legal form; options span from non‑profit associations and limited liability companies to cooperative models. The research emphasised the importance of leveraging existing advisory services, such as those offered by CoWorkLand e.G., to navigate the regulatory landscape. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, as rural co‑working projects often lack the high occupancy rates seen in urban settings. The report therefore recommends a mixed funding approach, combining public subsidies, local investment, and revenue from flexible membership schemes. Pilot projects, such as temporary “pop‑up” co‑working spaces, were suggested as low‑risk ways to test demand and refine business models before committing to permanent infrastructure.

In summary, the MALA project produced a comprehensive evidence base for rural co‑working and mobile work. It identified critical success factors—central location, robust connectivity, tailored equipment, and community spaces—and provided a practical guide for local authorities and entrepreneurs. By documenting the diversity of viable business models and offering a framework for financial planning, the study equips rural regions with the tools needed to harness digitalisation for local economic development.