Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2026-2027

The Platform Cooperativism Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 cohort. This global research initiative is designed for scholars exploring how cooperatives, unions, and solidarity-economy organizations engage with digital systems, including artificial intelligence and data-intensive infrastructures.

📖 About the Program

The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School is a global research program that supports scholars in examining the intersection of cooperatives and digital systems. The program focuses on:

• Cooperatives
• Unions
• Solidarity-economy organizations
• Digital systems, including AI and data-intensive infrastructures

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Fellows will receive the following benefits:

• Mentorship and feedback from ICDE faculty, senior researchers, and fellows.
• Access to ICDE’s global network of scholars, cooperators, unions, and policymakers.
• Opportunities to collaborate on research sprints, events, and publications.
• Travel and accommodation support to attend the PCC Conference (conference-related costs only).

Note: Fellows are responsible for securing their own visas.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

ICDE welcomes applications from:

• Ph.D. candidates and post-docs.
• Junior and early-career faculty.
• Applicants with equivalent research experience and a demonstrated record of scholarly or applied research.

Collaborative or paired applications are also encouraged, where two applicants propose aligned or joint research agendas.

📝 Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. A CV (maximum 4 pages).
2. A 1–2 page research proposal, including:
   • Research question and motivation.
   • Empirical focus or case study.
   • Methods and timeline.
   • Relevance to ICDE’s research focus areas.
3. One writing sample demonstrating prior research.
4. Contact information for two academic or professional references.

Collaborative or paired applications should clearly describe the relationship between projects.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 20 January, 2026.

🌐 Application Process

• View details of the program on the Platform Cooperativism Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program.
• Submit your application via the application form.

Take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the cooperative digital economy!

• Mentorship and feedback from ICDE faculty, senior researchers, and fellows
• Access to ICDE’s global network of scholars, cooperators, unions, and policymakers
• Opportunities to collaborate on research sprints, events, and publications
• Travel and accommodation support to attend the PCC Conference (conference-related costs only)