Cooperatives in a global economy : key economic issues, recent trends, and potential for development

In this paper, we examine major trends and potential for cooperatives in the context of four prominent socio-economic issues: the lack of jobs, economic and social inequality, educational mobility, and the priority need for innovations. We present recent data on the amount and types of job creation in cooperatives. We consider co-ops in light of the recent financial and economic crises. Finally, we offer some observations on cooperatives and innovation, and some perspectives on the outlook going forward.