Meaning ● Platform cooperatives for SMBs represent a novel business model whereby small and medium-sized businesses collectively own and govern the digital platforms they utilize for commerce, automation, and expansion. ● Departing from traditional platform economics, this approach distributes ownership and decision-making power among the participating SMBs, allowing for a more equitable share of platform revenues and operational control. Through collaborative automation, platform cooperatives can pool resources and expertise, implement tailored solutions, and benefit from economies of scale previously inaccessible to individual SMBs. In terms of growth strategies, these cooperatives foster strong business ecosystems wherein member SMBs support each other, leverage collective marketing efforts, and enhance their market presence. ● Therefore, implementation typically involves establishing a legal cooperative structure, developing or adopting a suitable digital platform, and defining the operational guidelines and profit-sharing mechanisms. This model enables SMBs to strategically implement scalable business solutions, automate core processes, and facilitate sustained growth within a shared, democratized digital environment.
