The Italian cooperative movement plays an important role in the country’s economy and society, however, the many unique features that distinguish the cooperative enterprises are still little known. The Legacoop Area Studi (made up of the Centro Studi Legacoop and CRM), through research carried out on its own initiative and also arising from the many needs of Legacoop (The National League of Cooperatives and Mutuals), aims at raising the general awareness of the cooperative experience and, as well, providing a concrete springboard and support for thinking and debate on the economic and social aspects of Italy. It also monitors the trends, changes and new developments and horizons for the cooperative enterprises.