Are Digital Platforms and AI the Future of Cooperatives and Labor Unions? A Global Fellowship Seeks Answers.
The digital age is reshaping economies, and cooperatives, unions, and solidarity-economy organizations are at a crossroads. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can these traditional models thrive in a world dominated by digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems? The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School is inviting scholars to explore this very question through its 2026–2027 Fellowship Program. This global, non-residential research fellowship aims to uncover how these organizations can navigate—and even lead—the digital transformation while staying true to their democratic and worker-centered values.
Why This Matters
This fellowship isn’t just about research; it’s about shaping the future of work and economies. By focusing on real-world practices and interdisciplinary approaches, ICDE seeks to bridge the gap between theory and action. And this is the part most people miss: The program emphasizes public-facing scholarship, ensuring that research isn’t confined to academic circles but directly benefits cooperatives, unions, and policymakers.
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: One substantial research publication (8,000–10,000 words) and at least one public-facing contribution, such as a blog post, policy brief, or workshop.
- Support: Mentorship, access to global research networks, and conference travel support (excluding visa costs).
What Sets This Fellowship Apart?
ICDE encourages scholars to tackle bold, open-ended questions at the intersection of technology, labor, and governance. Whether you’re examining the political economy of digital capitalism, exploring decolonial research approaches, or imagining a federated “Solidarity Stack” of digital infrastructure, this fellowship welcomes diverse perspectives. Controversial Interpretation Alert: Could the very platforms that threaten traditional labor models also become tools for worker empowerment?
Who Should Apply?
- Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty with a passion for cooperative and solidarity economies.
- Researchers with equivalent experience and a strong track record in related fields.
- Collaborative teams proposing joint research agendas.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear research question grounded in real-world cases, engagement with cooperatives or unions, and the ability to contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary cohort.
Institutional Context
Based at The New School in New York City, ICDE is rooted in a tradition of social justice and experimental scholarship. Since 2019, it has supported 58 fellows from over 60 countries, driving the growth of Solidarity Tech and influencing global policy debates. The fellowship is closely tied to the Platform Cooperativism Consortium (PCC), a global network of scholars, cooperative leaders, technologists, and policymakers.
Research Focus Areas
While proposed research can explore a wide range of themes, priority areas include:
- Worker-led and cooperative AI systems
- AI governance within platform cooperatives
- The challenges of inactive or failed platform cooperatives
- State-facilitated and public-interest platform cooperatives
- Measuring the impact and viability of cooperative models
Thought-Provoking Question: Can AI and digital platforms truly serve the interests of workers and cooperatives, or are they inherently tools of exploitation?
Application Requirements
To apply, submit:
1. A CV (maximum four pages)
2. A 1–2 page research proposal outlining your question, methods, timeline, and relevance
3. One writing sample
4. Contact details for two references
Timeline
- Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
- Review Period: Late January 2026
- Interviews: Early February 2026
- Acceptance Notifications: Mid-February 2026
Apply Now and Join the Conversation
Visit the official website to apply. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram for more opportunities.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For inquiries, contact ICDE directly. We cannot process applications or respond to all emails due to high volume. Thank you for understanding!
