Kozhikode, Kerala, India is set to welcome a prestigious gathering of experts, scholars, and cooperative leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region. From October 15-18, 2024, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) and the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) Ltd. will co-host the 18th ICA Asia Pacific Research Conference, in collaboration with the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperative Research (CCR).
The theme of the event, “Cooperatives in the Next Industrial Revolution,” will delve into the pivotal role that cooperatives play in shaping the future of work during a time of profound technological transformation.
The conference arrives at a crucial moment, as societies worldwide grapple with the implications of automation, digitalization, and globalization. While these forces are radically transforming industries and labor markets, cooperatives offer a sustainable and resilient alternative to corporate-driven models, providing equitable workplaces that focus on community development and wealth distribution.
Through discussions, debates, and collaborative sessions, the conference will explore how cooperatives can continue to thrive and evolve as key drivers of democratic workplaces in this new industrial era.
Notably, the event will also feature a Young & Emerging Scholars (YES) Workshop, an initiative that aims to foster the next generation of cooperative leaders. This workshop will offer young researchers and scholars a platform to present their work, exchange ideas with experienced academics, and learn about cutting-edge developments in the cooperative sector.
A diverse range of participants, including scholars, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists, are expected to attend. The conference will serve as an interdisciplinary forum where attendees can exchange insights and share best practices from across different sectors.
The discussions will cover not only the challenges but also the opportunities presented by the ongoing technological advancements, focusing on how cooperatives can adapt and innovate in this fast-changing landscape.
The ICA Asia Pacific Research Conference has historically served as a key platform for promoting cooperative research and development across the region. The event in Kozhikode is anticipated to further solidify this tradition, offering attendees an opportunity to chart a collective path forward for cooperatives in the Asia-Pacific.
The Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) is a fitting partner for this event. Established in 1925, ULCCS has grown into one of the most successful labor contract cooperatives in India, known for its contributions to infrastructure development and its commitment to the cooperative principles of community empowerment and equitable wealth distribution.
As the countdown to the 18th ICA Asia Pacific Research Conference begins, anticipation is building for an event that promises to shape the future of cooperative movements in the region.