Economic and other benefits of the entrepreneurs’ cooperative as a specific form of enterprise cluster

Entrepreneurs‘ cooperatives have helped small and mediumsized enterprises SMEs) in many countries to become and remain competitive. Although this form of business clustering is not wide spread, there are signs that its development and entrepreneurship effects are gradually being considered. This study analyses the set up and the economic, social and employment benenifits of entrepreneurs‘ cooperatives as well as the reasons why their use has not spread. Based on theoretical and empirical research, as well as the documentation of 69 Internet appearances by entrepreneurs‘ cooperatives from all over the world, the study indicates those features which allow for replication of the model elsewhere and concludes with a number of recommendations.

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