Data cooperatives are a type of data intermediary using long established cooperative models and global regulatory affordances to manage data with or on behalf of members (data producers) for the benefit of members or for trade with external queriers (data users).

Chang (2011) raises doubts about the effects of institutions on economic development and questions the positive effects of entirely free markets based on secure private property rights. We respond by stressing that institutions structure the incentives underlying individual action, secure...