ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the theoretical foundations of cooperation, appearing in the subject literature, and the juxtaposition of selected concepts with the specific nature of cluster organizations (COs). It deals with fundamental issues related to the term “cooperation” itself and the different forms that cooperation can take. The history of mankind is not the history of specific individuals, but a chronicle of the effects of joint actions undertaken by these individuals and the totality they create. Both the biological evolution of the human species and the increase in the complexity of human social life have been, are, and will be determined by the nature of the collective efforts of individuals and the entire groups that they form. In order for a cooperative relationship to be established at all, it is necessary to create the right conditions to help overcome initial mistrust or to make potential partners aware of the benefits of joint activities.
