The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) at The New School in New York City has announced its 2026–2027 Fellowship Program. This non-residential, year-long program is designed for Ph.D. candidates, post-docs, and early-career faculty focused on the intersection of digital infrastructure and the solidarity economy. The fellowship centers on “Solidarity AI,” exploring how cooperatives and unions interact with AI and data-intensive systems. Fellows are required to produce a substantial research output (8,000–10,000 words) and participate in the Platform Cooperativism Consortium Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 12–15, 2026. The program provides specialized mentorship, access to global research networks, and full travel support for the mandatory conference attendance.
Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Institution | The New School (ICDE) |
| Location | Non-residential (Remote) |
| Mandatory Event | PCC Conference, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Study Level | Ph.D. Candidates, Post-docs, Junior Faculty |
| Research Theme | Solidarity AI & Cooperative Digital Economy |
| Application Deadline | January 20, 2026 (11:59 pm ET) |
Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2027 Details
The ICDE Fellowship Program serves as a bridge between rigorous academic inquiry and practical organizational change. Hosted by The New School—a university renowned for its commitment to social justice—the fellowship empowers researchers to influence policy and practice within the global cooperative ecosystem.
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Scholarship Details
The 2026–2027 cohort will specifically address the challenges of “Solidarity AI,” moving beyond theoretical debates to examine empirical case studies in the Global South and North alike. The program emphasizes “Public Scholarship,” ensuring that research findings are translated into accessible resources for workers and practitioners.
Benefits of the Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2027
The fellowship provides a tiered system of support designed to foster both individual scholarly growth and collective impact.
Tier 1: Conference Travel and Implementation Support
- Full Conference Coverage: Provision of travel and accommodation support to attend and present at the Platform Cooperativism Consortium Conference in Bangkok, Thailand (November 2026).
- Research Infrastructure: Access to the Institute’s extensive research resources, directories, and internal publications.
Tier 2: Mentorship and Professional Development
- Expert Mentorship: Direct feedback and guidance from ICDE faculty, senior researchers, and distinguished global fellows.
- Global Network Access: Connections to a worldwide network of over 60 countries, including policymakers, cooperative leaders, and technologists.
Tier 3: Collaborative and Publication Opportunities
- Publication Support: Opportunities to collaborate on high-impact research sprints and have work featured in PCC/ICDE official reports.
- Shared Learning Environment: Membership in a collaborative cohort that facilitates cross-regional exchange and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Eligibility Requirements for The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2027
- Academic/Leadership: Open to Ph.D. candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and junior/early-career faculty. Applicants with equivalent applied research experience are also considered.
- Study Status: Fellows participate remotely while maintaining their home institutional affiliations. Engagement with specific cooperatives or unions is a key requirement.
- Visa Status: Fellows are responsible for securing their own visas for the Bangkok conference; however, travel support is provided.
- Program Admission: Applicants must demonstrate a clear research question grounded in real-world cases and familiarity with labor or solidarity-economy contexts.
How to Apply for The Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy (ICDE) Fellowship Program 2027 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit the online application form including a CV (max 4 pages), a 1–2 page research proposal, and a relevant writing sample.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for eligibility (academic standing) and the feasibility of the proposed research timeline.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted candidates undergo a review period in late January followed by interviews with ICDE faculty in early February.
- Notification of Award: Final notifications are sent in mid-February, with a mandatory acceptance confirmation required by late February 2026.
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a residential fellowship in New York?
No, this is a non-residential fellowship. Fellows participate remotely from their home locations throughout the academic year.
2. Is the Bangkok conference attendance mandatory?
Yes. All fellows are required to attend and present in person at the PCC Conference in Bangkok from November 12–15, 2026.
3. What is the expected length of the final research output?
Fellows are expected to produce a substantial research output of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 words suitable for publication.
4. Does the fellowship provide a monthly stipend?
The fellowship provides travel and accommodation support for the mandatory conference, alongside mentorship and network access, rather than a traditional monthly salary.
5. Can two researchers apply as a pair?
Yes, the ICDE welcomes collaborative or paired applications where two researchers propose joint or closely aligned research agendas.
6. Do I need to be affiliated with a university?
While most applicants are Ph.D. candidates or faculty, those with equivalent applied research experience and a strong scholarly record are encouraged to apply.
7. What are the priority research themes for 2026?
Key themes include Worker-Led AI, State-Facilitated Platform Cooperatives, and rethinking digital solidarity in the Global South.
8. Will I receive help with my visa for Thailand?
Fellows are responsible for securing their own visas, though the ICDE provides travel support and necessary documentation/invitations for the conference.
9. Is there an information session for applicants?
Yes, an online information session will be held in early January 2026. Details will be posted on the ICDE website.
10. Can I apply if my research isn’t about AI?
While AI is a major theme for 2026, the ICDE 2026 welcomes any research exploring cooperatives and digital systems, including data governance and platform labor.
