Are Cooperatives the Future of the Digital Economy? A Global Fellowship Seeks Answers
The digital revolution has transformed how we work, connect, and organize, but it’s also raised critical questions about power, equity, and democracy. What if cooperatives, unions, and solidarity-economy organizations could harness digital tools to build a fairer, more inclusive future? This is the bold vision driving the Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School, which is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Fellowship Program. But here’s where it gets controversial: can these traditional models truly challenge the dominance of corporate platforms and AI systems? Or are they destined to remain niche experiments? The ICDE Fellowship aims to find out—and they’re inviting scholars worldwide to join the quest.
This global, non-residential research fellowship is designed for thinkers and researchers exploring how cooperatives and solidarity-economy organizations are navigating the complexities of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven infrastructures. The program isn’t just about theory; it’s about real-world impact. Fellows are expected to produce research that’s not only academically rigorous but also accessible and actionable for cooperatives, unions, policymakers, and practitioners. And this is the part most people miss: the fellowship emphasizes public-facing scholarship, ensuring that insights don’t gather dust in academic journals but instead spark change on the ground.
Fellowship Highlights
- Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
- Duration: 2026–2027 academic year
- Format: Fully remote, with one required in-person component
- In-Person Requirement: Presentation at the Platform Cooperativism Consortium (PCC) Conference, November 12–15, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand
- Outputs: One major research publication (8,000–10,000 words) and at least one public-facing contribution (e.g., blog post, policy brief, workshop)
- Support: Mentorship, access to global research networks, and conference travel funding (excluding visa costs)
Why This Matters
The ICDE Fellowship isn’t just another academic program. It’s part of a larger movement to reimagine the digital economy through the lens of cooperation and democracy. Since 2019, ICDE has supported 58 fellows from over 60 countries, contributing to the growing field of Solidarity Tech and influencing policy debates worldwide. But the stakes are higher than ever. As AI and platforms reshape labor, governance, and economies, the question remains: Can cooperatives scale without losing their core values?
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applications from:
- Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral researchers
- Junior and early-career faculty
- Researchers with equivalent experience and a strong track record
Collaborative or paired applications are also encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research question rooted in real-world cases, engagement with cooperatives or unions, and the ability to contribute to an interdisciplinary cohort.
Research Focus Areas
While proposals can explore a wide range of topics, priority themes include:
- Worker-led AI systems and AI governance in platform cooperatives
- Challenges of inactive or failed platform cooperatives
- State-facilitated and public-interest cooperatives
- Measuring the impact and viability of cooperative models
- Envisioning a federated “Solidarity Stack” of digital infrastructure
The Bangkok Conference: A Global Gathering
The PCC Conference in Bangkok isn’t just a formality—it’s the heart of the fellowship. Bringing together scholars, workers, cooperative leaders, and policymakers, the event centers Global South perspectives and fosters cross-regional dialogue. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with those shaping the future of cooperative digital economies.
How to Apply
Ready to join the movement? Submit the following by January 20, 2026:
- A CV (max. 4 pages)
- A 1–2 page research proposal
- One writing sample
- Contact details for two references
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
- Review Period: Late January 2026
- Interviews: Early February 2026
- Notifications: Mid-February 2026
Apply Here: https://platform.coop/blog/open-call-for-applications-2026-2027/
Stay Connected
For more opportunities like this, follow us on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091911940560
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouth_opportunities
- WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HXTUEyM37ys85jgo477JzR
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlobalOpp1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-south-opportunities/
- Telegram: https://t.me/+DKimgksqlyI2ZTc8
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not affiliated with the fellowship. For inquiries, contact ICDE directly. Due to high volume, we may not respond to all messages.
Final Thought
As we stand at the crossroads of technology and cooperation, the ICDE Fellowship offers a unique platform to shape the future. But the question remains: Can cooperatives truly democratize the digital economy, or are they fighting an uphill battle? What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could redefine our digital future.
