ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is an interdisciplinary study of cooperative development, supported by longitudinal case studies. It explains how the Italian cooperative movement has managed to grow into a large, successful network of cooperatives. The book examines the unique cooperative business model that allows it to compete in the market as part of a network that includes central cooperative associations, financial and economic consortia, financial companies and friendly institutions. It examines the extent to which cooperatives compete while still upholding the key cooperative principles and fulfilling their social responsibility. The book explores the extent to which the consortia model can meet the needs of the small, medium-sized and large cooperatives that are competing in world markets. It provides an overview of consortia networks, the regulatory environment, the typology of cooperatives, their functions, how they have evolved and the impact they have on the cooperative sector.
