The Competence Centre for the Management of Cooperatives at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is an independent research entity located in Bolzano, Italy. It was established to advance research and innovation specifically within the cooperative sector of the South Tyrol region. The Centre operates in close collaboration with local cooperative associations such as Coopbund, Raiffeisenverband, Cooperdolomiti, and the Associazione Generale delle Cooperative Italiane (AGCI), as well as national and international research institutes.
Historically, cooperatives have played a key role in South Tyrol's economic and social development. Reflecting this tradition, the Competence Centre’s activities are tailored to address contemporary challenges facing cooperatives in areas like social inclusion, ecological transformation, and economic sustainability. Funded by the Office for Cooperative Development of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the Centre’s mission is to foster the creation and dissemination of managerial knowledge to enhance the capacity of cooperatives to deliver societal value.
A recent example of its work is the 2025 conference focused on citizen cooperatives, exploring themes of innovation and social inclusion. Other projects address affordable housing and business succession through cooperative models, aiming to provide practical and sustainable solutions to regional challenges. The Centre maintains a multidisciplinary approach, linking research, academic events, and stakeholder engagement throughout the Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino area. Its leadership includes Director Prof. Richard Lang, with active involvement from experts in academia and industry.