Cluster 4
Information Technology and the
Co-operative Redefinition of Community

Cluster 4 explored how co-operatives are using new information technologies and how these technologies reinforce or create social cohesion in new ways. The research brought new understanding to the transformative nature of information technologies and their affect on how we understand co-operative membership in this period of globalization. The research team explored how information technology is being used by co-operative organizations, particularly as communications and marketing tools, and as a method of extending and expanding the goods and services offered by co-operatives. The new dotCoop internet domain name was one specific focus of Cluster 4 research. Partner organizations for this cluster originally included the National Co-operative Business Association in the United States, Poptel a worker co-op internet service provider in the United Kingdom, and Mountain Equipment Co-op based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Research Team

Brett Fairbairn, University of Saskatchewan
Isobel Findlay, University of Saskatchewan
Murray Fulton, University of Saskatchewan
Lou Hammond Ketilson, University of Saskatchewan
Mark Lyons, ACCORD
Ian MacPherson, BCICS, University of Victoria

Partner Organizations

Mountain Equipment Co-op
National Co-operative Business Association
Poptel

Sites: Canada, London, Washington D.C., Australia

Cluster Diagram (pdf)

For more information about cluster 4 research please contact the Cluster 4 Co-ordinator.