Basque cooperativism has a solid future, according to experts gathered in Bilbao, but it will need to strengthen talent, innovation, and inter-cooperation to consolidate.
Basque cooperativism is in good health and presents itself as a model of reference at an international level, but the coming years will require extra effort in attracting talent, innovation, and leadership. This was highlighted by participants in the meeting The cooperative alternative to tomorrow's challenges, organised by Grupo Noticias in Bilbao.
A global benchmark that needs new blood
The director of Social Economy of the Basque Government, Jokin Diaz Arsuaga, argued that Basque cooperativism is not only a future alternative but an international benchmark. He advocated for continuing to promote the creation of cooperatives and cooperative employment to maintain that leadership.
In the same vein, Naiara López de Uralde, marketing manager of Udapa, pointed out that the future depends on having more people committed to cooperative values.
"Without cooperators, there are no cooperatives", she stated emphatically.
For the general director of Konfekoop, Mikel Larrea, it is crucial to strengthen the commitment and competitiveness of the sector. A balance that, according to experts, is not always easy to achieve.
Attracting young talent, the great challenge
One of the most debated points was the need to attract new generations. Germán Lorenzo, deputy director of Institutional Relations at the Mondragón Group, stressed the importance of capturing young talent.
"We need people who are capable of hacking the system from within and who see that cooperatives can be a way to compete successfully in a global world and also with full personal satisfaction", he explained.
The secretary of Batera, Raúl Etayo, identified innovation, talent acquisition, and inter-cooperation as the major challenges of the coming years. All of this, he warned, while preserving the essence of the cooperative model.
The general director of Garlan, Andrés García, called for a solid leadership from the members, governing boards, and management teams. He considered it an essential element to face the challenges of the future.
A model with roots and projection
Basque cooperativism does not start from scratch. With decades of history, the sector has a solid base of companies and committed individuals. However, participants agreed that generational change and adaptation to a digital and globalised environment are pending subjects.
For the interested reader, the message is clear: cooperativism offers a way to compete successfully without renouncing democratic and social values. Basque cooperatives are now looking for young people who want to be part of that future.
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