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English

Abstract

In medieval Europe, guilds emerged as institutional structures formed by artisans and merchants to regulate professional activities, ensure product quality, and provide vocational training. This study explores not only the economic functions of guilds but also their roles in knowledge sharing, norm creation, and community cohesion. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research draws on historical sources and conceptual literature to analyze the organizational features of guilds, particularly their apprenticeship systems, professional supervision, and trust-based structures. It investigates the historical continuity from Medieval guilds to contemporary models of the social economy. Notably, the study identifies structural similarities between guilds and modern collaborative production models, such as open-source software communities. These parallels suggest that examining the institutional roles of guilds may offer insights into the long-term evolution of collective organization. In this context, the study aims to contribute to literature by reassessing the historical functions of guilds through a modern interpretive framework.