AUTHOR(S) / AUTOR(I): Marija Nikolić 
, Ivana Vasić , Dejana Vučković
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.201N
ABSTRACT / SAŽETAK:
The objective of this paper is to identify and systematize the key challenges facing cooperatives in contemporary market conditions. Based on an extensive review of recent cooperative literature, the paper synthesizes dominant analytical approaches to cooperative challenges and proposes an integrated classification of challenges and emerging responses. The analysis confirms that cooperatives are exposed to a combination of market-related pressures, internal structural constraints, and governance and membership related challenges. While many of these challenges are shared across countries and sectors, their intensity and manifestations vary depending on socio-economic, institutional, and cultural conditions, which highlights the need for context-specific strategies.
KEYWORDS / KLJUČNE REČI:
cooperatives, challenges, market pressures, adaptive responses
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / PROJEKAT:
The article was developed as part of the research activities conducted under the 2026 Contract on the Implementation and Financing of Scientific Research, concluded between the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia (Contract No. 451-03-34/2026-03/200116).
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