Freiburg Hub Update: Master’s thesis explores how consultancy services support cooperative food economies in Germany

A new Master’s thesis completed at the University of Freiburg, takes a close look at how consultancy services can better support the shift toward cooperative food systems in Germany.

Titled “Transformation Potential of Consulting Services and Business Models toward Cooperative Governance in the German Food Economy” (Transformationspotenziale der Beratungsdienstleistungen und Geschäftsmodelle für kooperatives Wirtschaften in der Ernährungswirtschaft in Deutschland), the study explores the gap between what consultants offer and what cooperatives actually need to start up, develop, and flourish.

The research found that while most consultants focus on legal and operational paperwork, cooperative businesses require additional support with community governance, fair financing, and managing social dynamics within their teams. The thesis concludes that by updating how these support services are designed, we can create a powerful tool to help the food economy become more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable.

Picture of the Master Thesis cover