The Role of Cooperatives in Communication Design in Italy

Authors

  • Luciano Perondi Università Iuav di Venezia image/svg+xml Author
  • Tommaso Guariento Ca' Foscari University of Venice image/svg+xml Author
  • Giampiero Dalai Alpaca Società Cooperativa Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.82068/pgjournal.2026.23.42.13

Abstract

Cooperatives offer a model of communication design that structurally remedies excessive market fragmentation. This fragmentation leaves a multitude of freelancers competing for reputation, often lacking proper corporate protection and economic leverage. The democratic governance of cooperatives ensures that professionals' ambitions align with the organization's goals. The Italian communication design sector is primarily composed of micro-enterprises with limited bargaining power, as well as independent professionals operating individually. A secondary channel, characterized by social media and freelance platforms, often offers symbolic payment and reputational capital that does not translate into stable income. Cooperatives offer a practical alternative to traditional models, as they share risks among members, which helps provide steady incomes and protect rights.

Author Biographies

  • Luciano Perondi, Università Iuav di Venezia

    Associate professor at Università Iuav di Venezia, deputy director of the User Lab. From 2007 to 2018 professor at ISIA Urbino, director from 2013 to 2016. Member of the PhD board in Humanities at the University of Urbino Carlo Bo. Research Fellow at Hasselt University since 2023. Member of the co-op CAST SC and Alpaca SC.

  • Tommaso Guariento, Ca' Foscari University of Venice

    PhD in Cultural Studies at the University of Palermo in 2015. He holds a postdoctoral research position within the framework of the ERC AIMODELS project, focusing on the study of the diverse manifestations of collective intelligence, ranging from the philosophy of mind to political economy.

  • Giampiero Dalai, Alpaca Società Cooperativa

    PhD in Design sciences, Co-founder at Alpaca Società Cooperativa and Altri Fiumi. He is a Usability Expert and conducts research in the field of information design and interactive communication artifacts, with a focus on design for education and design for all.

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Published

2026-05-01

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No. 42 (2026): Design Under Attack. Politics, Values and Responsibility Principles

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