The initiative was promoted by the Competence Centre for the Management of Cooperatives at unibz, which plays a key role in connecting research with practice in the cooperative sector.

The partnership links the university’s academic expertise with EFL’s network of 65 organisations operating in 13 European countries, creating new opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration on the future of affordable housing.

The collaboration will focus on key challenges shaping housing systems in Europe, with particular attention to cooperative and collaborative housing models as innovative responses to increasing housing pressures. Research and joint activities will address topics such as sustainable design and construction, digitalisation in housing management, and new governance approaches that support more participatory and inclusive housing solutions.

By bringing together researchers and practitioners, the partnership aims to foster mutual learning and the development of joint initiatives, including European research projects, study visits, and educational activities.

Through this collaboration, EFL and unibz seek to contribute to the development of more inclusive, innovative, and resilient housing systems across Europe.