Are Digital Platforms and AI the Future of Cooperatives and Labor? A Global Fellowship Seeks Answers.
The digital revolution is reshaping economies, but what does this mean for cooperatives, unions, and solidarity-based organizations? But here's where it gets controversial: While some see technology as a tool for empowerment, others fear it could exacerbate inequalities. The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School is tackling this complex question head-on with its 2026–2027 Fellowship Program, a global initiative inviting scholars to explore the intersection of digital innovation and cooperative practices. And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t just about theory—it’s about real-world solutions that can transform how we work and govern in the digital age.
This non-residential, fully remote fellowship supports interdisciplinary research that examines how digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems are influencing cooperative economies, labor relations, and governance structures. Fellows are encouraged to delve into alternative models of digital economy governance, focusing on practical applications, institutional design, and public impact. The program is particularly interested in research that bridges academic rigor with actionable insights for 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: 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 assistance
Why This Matters:
ICDE, based at The New School in New York City, is a hub for interdisciplinary research committed to social justice and experimental scholarship. Since 2019, it has supported 58 fellows from over 60 countries, contributing to the growing field of Solidarity Tech and influencing global policy debates. This fellowship is not just about academic exploration—it’s about building a more democratic and worker-centered digital future.
Who Should Apply?
- Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty
- Scholars with equivalent research experience and a strong track record
- Collaborative or paired applications are encouraged
Key Research Themes:
- Core Orientations: Law and policy, political economy, empirical studies on platform labor, data governance, decolonial approaches, and movement building
- Priority Themes: Worker-led AI systems, AI governance in cooperatives, stalled or failed platform cooperatives, state-facilitated models, impact measurement, and envisioning a federated “Solidarity Stack”
Controversial Question: Can digital platforms truly serve the interests of workers and cooperatives, or are they inherently designed to favor corporate power? We invite you to join this debate and contribute your insights.
Application Requirements:
1. CV (max. 4 pages)
2. 1–2 page research proposal
3. Writing sample
4. Two academic/professional references
Timeline:
- Applications Close: January 20, 2026
- Review Period: Late January 2026
- Interviews: Early February 2026
- Notifications: Mid-February 2026
Apply Now: 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.
