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A comparison of cooperative ecosystems: what institutions can bring transformation?

Author

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  • Gea D.M. Wijers

    (Business Management and Organisation, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands)

Abstract

The social and solidarity economy has become part of serious economic discourse on ‘downsizing’ our economies towards more local and sustainable development. The focus on localizing our consumption, supply, trade, and demand offers a counterpoint to the automated belief in the global market. This article explores the challenges and opportunities for a social and solidarity economy to be built on cooperative organizations by discussing what institutions are vital to the cooperative ecosystem in local and sustainable development. The institutions needed to facilitate cooperatives are addressed in two dimensions. First, what are the internal and external challenges to the cooperative organization as an inclusive social business model? This part of the inquiry distinguishes between cooperatives as either emancipatory or context-dependent organizations. Second, what is, in practice, the role of the institutional context in cooperative business strategy formulation? This section discusses the dichotomy between cooperatives as community-based or market-driven organizations. Findings provide insights into the dynamics that create balance in community-driven ideas, economic ambitions, institutional infrastructures, and the cooperative model. In conclusion, it is suggested that, paradoxically, a strong centralized government is a major determinant of the success of a more localized and sustainable economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Gea D.M. Wijers, 2019. "A comparison of cooperative ecosystems: what institutions can bring transformation?," Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, Pro Global Science Association, vol. 18(2), pages 146-159, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:rse:wpaper:v:18:y:2019:i:2:p:146-159
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    business ecosystems; cooperatives; institutional analysis; Indonesia; Thailand; The Netherlands.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O35 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Social Innovation
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries

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