Cooperative World Map

Zoom a little closer and discover the cooperative global economy

The Cooperative World Map (CWM) is an interactive and regularly updated digital map that aspires to unite and showcase all cooperative entities in the world. The Cooperative World Map project is a collaborative effort between DotCooperation LLC (DotCoop) and Digital Commons Cooperative, to provide useful, current and cohesive data on cooperatives that can be accessed from one location. In creating the CWM, cooperatives have a common digital hub to connect, be identified, promote the strength of the cooperative model, and increase awareness on the benefits of cooperation.

The map is now live! Explore it here: worldmap.coop

Value to the cooperative movement

The value is limited only by how the data can be used to help organizations achieve their goals.

The research and academic community can easily find cohesive data on cooperatives to conduct different analyses on trends, issues, challenges and more.
Finding each other: For cooperatives who want to collaborate with other cooperatives across regions, sectors or even locally within their communities, exercising Principle #6 in the digital era has never been easier!
The CWM can provide data, information and ideas to apex cooperative organizations seeking to tell stories and promote the cooperative brand. Seeing the scale and scope of the cooperative communities’ around them allows organisations to make connections and showcase the power of their economy.
With easy-to-see data, the users and members of the CWM can be used as a first stop to create groups and connections. This is a great place to start when looking to identify common challenges, facilitate discussions, and initiate action for lasting impact.

Share our passion for creating cooperative spaces

Sharing technology

The data is provided by a network of membership partners, who share their information in a number of ways, either directly through automated processes, or through the regular contribution of periodic updates on information. All of this means the data is currently a maximum of three months old, and the aim is to get the data refreshed even more frequently than that.

Using influence for the common good

In mapping the global cooperative movement, the CWM shows the reach and influence of cooperatives worldwide, big and small. Cooperatives can be found by name, sector or type, through user-friendly search functionalities. Each cooperative entity on the map is discoverable, increasing their visibility and understanding of their impact in all sectors and regions.

Access a global database

Access to information has never been easier, with artificial intelligence playing a more significant role to harness and analyze data that is used to address challenges locally and globally. The CWM offers a powerful approach for the cooperative movement to expand its digital presence and foster a more people-centered Internet.

Transparent data management

The data is managed by the DC Alliance, a combined effort by DotCoop and Digital Commons Cooperative, who jointly manage the relationships required to make the data sharing system work, and the technology behind the map.

We cooperate competitively

Data and information on cooperatives are often fragmented and hard to find. By bringing together information on cooperatives and making it easy to access, CWM will advance how cooperatives practice Principle #6 — cooperation among cooperatives, in the digital era. In addition, by sharing the cooperative movement’s knowledge and best practices with all entities, the CWM program will facilitate increasing the role cooperatives play in the global economy.

We’re on a mission

Our mission is to strengthen the global cooperative movement by enabling connections, sharing resources, and promoting the values of cooperation. We seek to educate and inspire communities about the benefits of cooperation for a more equitable and sustainable world. This is just the beginning!

Behind the map: How it works

The Cooperative World Map is an accessible, shared, and open digital platform. It is built with open-source mapping and data-sharing technology, which allows the CWM to house public and available data that is voluntarily shared by cooperative organizations. This enables the CWM to present the ecosystem of co-ops and their support organizations around the world in a centralized location.

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