Genossenschaftsverband & Zukunftsinstitut
2022
Dr. Daniel Dettling
The study "Aufbruch in die WIR-Ökonomie" highlights the significant potential of cooperatives in fostering a sustainable and efficient economy in Germany, especially in rural areas. It reveals that a majority of the population perceives cooperatives as vital for addressing societal challenges and sees them as future-oriented business models. Key megatrends like Neo-Ecology and Digitalization create new opportunities for these organizations, promoting regional production and improved living conditions. However, the study identifies challenges such as a lack of awareness among younger people and the need for better support in establishing cooperatives. Recommendations include leveraging crises for innovation, simplifying the founding process, and enhancing citizen involvement. Overall, the findings advocate for a strategic focus on cooperatives as a means to drive resilience and community engagement in the face of ongoing societal and economic changes.
Published on: 31.05.2022
Key Findings
- Cooperatives are seen as drivers of a sustainable, solidarity-based and efficient economy. 69% of Germans view cooperatives as a business form with future potential, and 76% see them as key problem solvers for society.
- The megatrends of Neo-Ecology, Connectivity, Mobility, and Silver Society are particularly impactful for rural areas and offer new opportunities for cooperative business models.
- There is a trend towards "glocalization" - connecting global and local developments. This benefits regional production and supply chains.
- Digitalization enables new forms of living and working in rural areas, making them more attractive.
- Key areas of potential for cooperatives include social infrastructure, housing/living/working, climate protection, mobility, local supply, agriculture, digitalization, financial services, cultural work, and youth engagement.
- Challenges include lack of awareness about cooperatives, especially among younger people, and the need for more support in founding new cooperatives.
- The study recommends leveraging the crisis for new opportunities, combining solidarity, ecology and digitalization, simplifying cooperative founding processes, increasing citizen participation, and fostering diverse leadership.
Authors
The study was authored by Dr. Daniel Dettling of the Zukunftsinstitut on behalf of the Genossenschaftsverband – Verband der Regionen e.V.
Methodology
The study combines trend analysis based on the Zukunftsinstitut's megatrend framework with interviews of representatives from selected cooperatives. It also incorporates data from a representative survey of 2,043 Germans conducted by YouGov Deutschland GmbH in January 2022.
Context and Implications
This trend study examines the potential of cooperatives in shaping the future of rural areas in Germany against the backdrop of major societal and economic shifts. It highlights how cooperative principles of self-help, self-administration, and self-responsibility align with emerging needs for regional development, sustainability, and social cohesion.
The findings suggest that cooperatives are well-positioned to address challenges in areas such as energy transition, healthcare, digitalization, and local supply chains. However, to fully realize this potential, there is a need for greater awareness, especially among younger generations, and more support for cooperative founding and development.
The study's recommendations point towards a strategic approach that leverages cooperatives' strengths in community engagement and sustainable business models to drive innovation and resilience in rural economies.