The International Co-operative Alliance Committee on Co-operative Research international research conference will take place in Almería, Spain from 24 to 27 May 2016. It will be hosted by the University of Almeria (UAL) and the UAL-Coexphal Chair. Researchers, policy makers, practitioners and students of co-operatives, social enterprise and social economy from all countries are welcome.
BACKGROUND THEMES and CONFERENCE AIMS
The purpose of the conference is to explore and ensure an understanding of the various stages of co-operative creation, transition and transformation and to discuss the strategies co-operatives, co-operative institutions and policy makers may take to adequately manage such change and stages of development.
Co-operatives are operating within tremendously volatile environments and must be agile, flexible and adept in meeting the needs of their members and communities. Co-operatives are exploring diverse strategies and a wide range of co-operative types and models in various stages of development and sophistication exist in both traditional and emerging fields. Definitions are blurring, based on the contexts in which co-operatives operate or have been created. A growing number of businesses are transitioning from investor owned enterprises to employee/worker owned co-operatives. Hybrid forms are springing up which are mixed with social enterprise or investor-oriented characteristics, as well as other community-oriented cultural practices. At the same time, the co-operative organisational form is experiencing a renaissance or regeneration given the fact that other business models have not performed well, in general, in meeting the economic, social and environmental needs of a wide range of people across the globe.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH FOR ANALYSING CO-OPERATIVE CONTEXT This conference will take a different approach to organising research presented in parallel sessions (which are in addition to keynote and round-table speakers). As is usually the case, we take into account topics of interest, which are listed below, and which are intended to be interpreted widely and creatively. In addition, we also consider the stage of co-operative development in which co-operative activity takes place. Finally, we focus on the level of analysis (co-operative firm level, community or market level, and external or global level). During the conference we hope to facilitate out-of-the-ordinary interactions and synergies and provide new and useful evidence and perspectives for co-operative scholars, policy makers and practitioners of all disciplines and areas of engagement. Please, read further about the conference when you visit our website https://www2.ual.es/ica2016almeria where you also will find an introductory video of the conference.
TOPICS and ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS Theoretical and applied research presentations are welcome from all co-operative areas. Abstracts can be uploaded using the link found under “Scientific Submissions–Abstract, Poster, Paper and Session Information” on the website. Before drafting and uploading the Abstract, it is important to read the more detailed description of Themes and Topics, stages of co-operative development and levels of analysis, plus instructions for abstract drafting and submission found on the website (See “Scientific Submissions-Themes”).
PROPOSALS FOR SESSIONS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED If you propose an organised session, at least 4 related papers must be included. Abstracts must be submitted for each presentation, including the session title as a subtitle and indicating during submission that it the abstract belongs to an organised session.
YOUNG SCHOLAR´S sessions and events will also be an important part of the conference and suggestions for training needs are very welcome. (Young Scholars are defined as PhD, Post-Doc students and researchers 2 years after graduation.) Please use the “Contact” form on the website to offer suggestions and indicate if you would like to participate in Young Scholar activities.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE The official language of the conference is English. If you have difficulty presenting in English, you may arrange to have someone help you during your presentation or rely on a more text driven presentation.
IMPORTANT DATES
GUIDELINES FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FOR PAPER, POSTER AND SESSIONS
- Abstracts, of a maximum of 400 words, should be submitted using the online form on the website, found under “Scientific Submissions” and should indicate whether they relate to a poster, paper or session. Please see the website for further explanation and instructions.
- Proposals for sessions should include at least 4 paper proposals, for which abstracts must be submitted, indicating that they form part of a session proposal, and including the session title as a subtitle.
PUBLICATION POLICY Selected Conference papers will be proposed for publication in scientific journals if the author accepts.