Co-operatives – Capital Idea(s)!
Conference Theme
Co-operatives have different ideas about how to do business. These ideas are reflected in co-operative principles, practice and theory. They extend to all aspects of business and economic activity – including to capital in its various financial, human, social and natural forms. Co-operative ideas challenge our common assumptions about business as usual and inspire us to envision and implement more just, participatory and sustainable business practices.
Co-operative ideas, however, are also challenged by the often harsh realities in which practitioners attempt to implement them – situations of abject poverty, depleted communities, dwindling resource bases, environmental degradation, oligopolistic market structures, discriminatory policy regimes, geographic and social isolation, etc. Can we develop ideas and theories that can inform co-operatives when they are confronted with such deficits of financial, human, social and natural capital?
The theme of this year’s annual conference highlights the power of co-operative ideas to inspire and guide the development of a more just, participatory and sustainable economy. In particular it focuses on the distinct approach of co-operatives to developing and using key resources – capital bases – and the challenges involved in such an endeavour.
Conference Topics
We invite potential participants to submit proposals on any of the topics listed below under the four sub-themes of the conference. Proposals on other topics are also welcome, if they fall within one of the given sub-themes.
Co-operatives and Financial Capital
- Co-operative Ownership and Finance Models
- Financial Regulation and Reporting Practices of Co-operatives
- The Role of Co-operatives in Financing Business Development
- The Changing Environment of Financial Service Co-operatives
Co-operatives and Human Capital
- Co-operative Management Structures/Practices and Human Capital
- Co-operative Education and Human Capital
- Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Co-operatives
- Developing Human Capital in and through Youth and Student Co-operatives
Co-operatives and Social Capital
- Co-operative Principles and Social Capital
- Social Capital and Inter-cooperation among Co-operatives
- Social Capital and Co-operative-Community Relationships
- Social Capital and the Role of Co-operatives in Community Economic Development
- The Relationship between Service Co-operatives, Social Capital and Social Solidarity
- Social Capital and Alliances between Co-operatives and Social Movements
- The Role of Social Capital in Co-operative Business and Marketing Strategies
Co-operatives and Natural Capital
- Is Sustainability the New Co-operative Value for the 21st Century?
- Co-operatives and Green Production
- Co-operatives and Food–Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability
- Co-operatives and Renewable Energy
- Co-operatives and the Solidarity Economy
