Is Malta's experiment of public sector cooperatives a potential model for others to follow and is this model working?

Abstract

This research explores Malta's experiment of public sector co-operatives. It studies this model and tries to answer the question whether this model can be followed by other countries. The study aims to evaluate whether this model is really working. The study focuses on two public sector co-operatives - KoLS and Crossroads Coop. The author also held in depth interviews with a number of stakeholders - politicians, representative of the Co-operatives' Board and the President of the Federation of Maltese Co-operatives. A quantitative questionnaire was distributed to public servants in order to gauge knowledge about co-operatives and awareness of the possibility to form a co-operative.