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-based organizations could harness digital tools to build a fairer economy? 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 on the fringes of the digital economy?
This global, non-residential fellowship invites scholars to explore 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, policymakers, and practitioners. And this is the part most people miss: the fellowship emphasizes public-facing scholarship, ensuring that research doesn’t gather dust on a shelf but instead fuels change on the ground.
Fellowship Highlights
- Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
- Duration: 2026–2027 academic year
- Format: Fully remote, with a required in-person presentation at the Platform Cooperativism Consortium (PCC) Conference in Bangkok, Thailand (November 12–15, 2026)
- Outputs: A substantial research publication (8,000–10,000 words) and at least one public-facing contribution (e.g., blog post, policy brief, or workshop)
- Support: Mentorship, access to global research networks, and conference travel funding
Why This Matters
The ICDE Fellowship Program is more than just a research opportunity—it’s a movement. Since 2019, ICDE has supported 58 fellows from over 60 countries, contributing to the growing field of Solidarity Tech and shaping public policy debates. Based at The New School, a university renowned for its commitment to social justice and interdisciplinary inquiry, ICDE is at the forefront of exploring how digital tools can empower workers and communities. But the question remains: Can these efforts scale? And what does success look like in a world dominated by tech giants?
Who Should Apply?
Whether you’re a Ph.D. candidate, postdoctoral researcher, early-career faculty, or an experienced scholar with a passion for cooperatives and digital economies, this fellowship is for you. Collaborative applications are also encouraged, as ICDE values the power of collective inquiry. Applicants should demonstrate a clear research question grounded in real-world cases, engagement with cooperatives or unions, and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Focus Areas
While the fellowship welcomes diverse topics, priority themes include:
- Worker-led AI systems: Can AI be designed to serve workers, not exploit them?
- AI governance in platform cooperatives: How can cooperatives ensure ethical AI use?
- Failed or stalled platform cooperatives: What lessons can we learn from these cases?
- State-facilitated cooperatives: What role should governments play in supporting solidarity economies?
- The “Solidarity Stack”: Can we imagine a federated digital infrastructure that prioritizes equity?
Controversial Question: Is the Solidarity Economy a Utopian Dream or a Viable Alternative?
As you consider applying, reflect on this: In a world where tech monopolies dominate, is the solidarity economy a realistic alternative, or is it a noble but impractical ideal? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
How to Apply
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
For full details, visit the official website.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not affiliated with this fellowship. For inquiries, contact ICDE directly. Applications sent to GSO cannot be processed.
