Policy Discussion: The Challenges and Potential Solutions of the Emerging Co-ops

Co-operatives are business enterprises that are democratically controlled and owned by their members and work in the interests of their members. The co-operative business model plays a significant role in the modern economy, primarily in building a strong local economy.

Tebibu Salomon, an intern with Co-op Alternatives from University College of Cork and currently studying for the MSc Co-operatives, Agri-Food and Sustainable Development, has investigated the internal and external causes of co-operatives’ success in Northern Ireland. His paper has contributed to the research around the development of the co-operative business model in this region with potential strategies to tackle current challenges.