ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a co-operative studies as a joint community/academic pursuit, one that has the potential to engage the interest of more researchers, teachers, and students in the academy. co-operative studies is about creating a knowledge base that informs teaching, learning, and reflection about the movement; one that can contribute to greater co-operative effectiveness, and that is accessible to policymakers. In recent years, the co-operative model, based on more creative state relationships, has begun to reappear and the future looks much better for cooperative development. The issue of state relationships, though much muted, is no less important in countries where market forces are given greater opportunities to function. The unique nature of co-operatives also helps us to re-think the nature of the state in market societies. Though much is starting to be done, for example through the International Co-operative Research Committee of the International Co-operative Alliance, one should not underestimate these challenges.
