Platform Cooperativism—A New Model in the Knowledge Economy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze organizational models of platform cooperatives that act as an alternative to conventional digital platforms. The study is of a qualitative nature and relies on the use of the method of analysis of documents and articles that transmit the experience and knowledge of digital technologies in existing cooperatives and in cooperative platforms. Traditional platforms and platform cooperatives are compared. Aspects of democratic governance and self-government in platform cooperatives and traditional cooperatives based on the practice of digital participation are analyzed. For a cooperative, a digital platform is not a core activity that is shaped according to the needs of members. Therefore, the cooperative platform allows everyone to participate both in the work of the platform and directly in the cooperative on a democratic basis. A digital platform becomes cooperative because it belongs to members and is a technological tool that provides the sharing of costs and resources, the creation and redistribution of material values. The article proves that the members of a cooperative can be not only employees, but also entrepreneurs with relevant characteristics for this category. A similar platform cooperativism potential is evident for cooperative organizations.