Complex Networks for Co-op Economies

Co-operatives have long been celebrated as powerful vehicles for economic inclusion, social equity, and sustainable development. Central to their ethos is the principle of "Cooperation among Cooperatives," enshrined as the 6th Principle in the Statement on the Cooperative Identity (ICA 1995). This principle emphasizes that co-operatives thrive not in isolation but through inter-cooperation and mutual support, embodying the value of solidarity that transcends individual organizational boundaries. The International Centre for Co-operative Management developed a conceptual framework that expands on the traditional understanding of inter-cooperation by viewing Principle 6 through the lens of complex co-operative networks. Such networks are not merely functional alliances; they represent dynamic ecosystems where co-operatives coalesce around shared goals and values. By examining their means of organization, purpose, agents, functions, context variables, and outcomes, we uncover how these networks operate as sophisticated systems capable of adapting to diverse economic, social, and ecological contexts. 

Building on the ICA Statement of the Cooperative Identity, along with its guidance notes and supporting literature on co-operative networks, this conceptual framework has been designed as a set of mix-and-match building blocks. These blocks are intended to reflect the unique dynamics that co-operatives exhibit across various regions and co-operative economies worldwide. The framework is designed to serve as a tool for mapping and understanding the development of co-operative networks. It can be utilized by policymakers, co-operative professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts as a snapshot in time, capturing the elements that constitute a particular network. This approach provides valuable insights into potential shortcomings and opportunities for growth. 

For more information, please contact Sonja Novkovic.

The Framework 

You can watch a brief video explanation of the framework and access the concise notes . 

Inter-cooperation Short Course 

The ICCM is proud to offer a short course, Power and Purpose of Intercooperation, designed to empower our community with the knowledge and tools to build complex networks and thriving co-operative economies. Rooted in our innovative conceptual framework, this course provides practical strategies and insights to strengthen intercooperation and drive collective success. If you or your organization would like to bring this impactful content to your network, contact our education coordinator, Jillian Stagg.

Report  

The Complex Networks for Cooperative Economies  report is authored by ICCM's Júlia Martins Rodrigues, Sonja Novkovic, and Karen Miner. The original report is the outcome of a partnership to assess the robustness of British Columbia's co-operative network in cooperation with the British Columbia Co-operative Association (BCCA). 

Case Studies 

As proof of concept, three case studies were developed by applying the proposed framework, demonstrating its practical utility in analyzing co-operative networks. These case studies explore the co-operative ecosystems of British Columbia, Emilia-Romagna, and Quebec, offering valuable insights into the diverse ways in which complex inter-cooperative networks function in different regional contexts. Read British Columbia Case Study , Emilia Romagna Case Study , and Quebec Case Study . Additional case studies can be developed upon request. The ICCM offers commissioned case studies internationally, tailored to highlight specific co-operative ecosystems and provide actionable insights for co-operative development and strategy. If you are interested in this service, please contact Sonja Novkovic. 

Academic Paper 

The upcoming paper "Broadening Principle 6: Inter-cooperation Through Complex Networks" by Júlia Martins Rodrigues, Sonja Novkovic, and Karen Miner reimagines the 6th Co-operative Principle, “Cooperation among Cooperatives” (ICA, 1995), through the lens of complex adaptive systems. While this principle is often narrowly interpreted as cooperation through vertical, second-tier structures, the Guidance Notes to the Cooperative Principles (ICA, 2015) emphasize the importance of diverse inter-cooperative arrangements. Building on this, the paper proposes a structured framework encompassing organization, purpose, agents, and functions, demonstrating how co-operatives form intricate networks that cultivate unique ‘co-opreneurial’ ecosystems. These networks, rooted in co-operative values, embed economic activity within broader social and ecological systems, offering a transformative approach to co-operative development and sustainability. A draft of the paper is available upon request while it awaits publication.