Are you ready to reshape the future of work and technology? The digital economy is evolving at breakneck speed, but who’s ensuring it benefits everyone? The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School is on a mission to answer this question—and they want you to join the conversation. Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 ICDE Fellowship Program, a global, non-residential research initiative exploring how cooperatives, unions, and solidarity-economy organizations are navigating the complexities of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven systems. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can these traditional models truly thrive in a tech-dominated world, or are they destined to be outpaced by corporate giants?
This fellowship isn’t just about research—it’s about reimagining the digital economy through a lens of democracy, cooperation, and worker empowerment. Fellows are encouraged to dive into interdisciplinary, empirically grounded studies that tackle real-world challenges. Think institutional design, public policy, and practical solutions that matter. And this is the part most people miss: the program doesn’t just value academic rigor—it demands that your work be accessible and actionable for cooperatives, unions, and policymakers alike.
Fellowship Highlights:
- Deadline: January 20, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
- Duration: 2026–2027 academic year
- Format: Fully remote, with one in-person requirement
- Key Event: Present your research at the Platform Cooperativism Consortium (PCC) Conference, November 12–15, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand
- Deliverables: A substantial research publication (8,000–10,000 words) and at least one public-facing contribution (e.g., blog post, policy brief)
- Support: Mentorship, access to global networks, and conference travel funding (excluding visa costs)
Why This Matters: ICDE, based at The New School—a hub for social justice and interdisciplinary innovation—has already supported 58 fellows from over 60 countries since 2019. Their work has fueled the Solidarity Tech movement, influenced public policy, and strengthened cooperative ecosystems globally. But the question remains: How can we scale these efforts without losing the core principles of decentralization and equity?
Who Should Apply?
- Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty
- Scholars with equivalent research experience and a proven track record
- Collaborative teams proposing joint research agendas
What We’re Looking For:
- A clear, real-world research question
- Engagement with cooperatives, unions, or solidarity initiatives
- Familiarity with cooperative or labor contexts
- A commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration
Research Themes:
While proposals can explore a range of topics, priority areas include:
- Worker-led AI systems and their governance within cooperatives
- Challenges faced by stalled or failed platform cooperatives
- State-facilitated cooperatives and their public-interest impact
- Building a federated “Solidarity Stack” of digital tools
Controversial Question: Can AI ever truly serve the collective good, or will it always favor those with the most power?
Application Process:
Submit a CV (max 4 pages), a 1–2 page research proposal, a writing sample, and two references. Applications close January 20, 2026, with interviews in early February and notifications by mid-February.
Ready to Apply? Visit the official website for details. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram for more opportunities like this.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not affiliated with this fellowship. For inquiries, contact ICDE directly. Due to high volume, we cannot process applications or respond to all emails. Thank you for understanding!
