Genossenschaftsverband & Zukunftsinstitut
2022
Dr. Daniel Dettling
The study titled "Aufbruch in die WIR-Ökonomie" explores the transformative potential of cooperatives within the context of Germany's evolving economic landscape. Authored by Dr. Daniel Dettling of the Zukunftsinstitut, it draws attention to the critical role that cooperatives can play in fostering a sustainable and solidarity-based economy. The research is particularly relevant against the backdrop of significant societal shifts, emphasizing the need for innovative business models that align with contemporary challenges. Key findings reveal that a majority of Germans view cooperatives as future-oriented business forms, with 69% believing they can drive sustainability. The study identifies impactful megatrends such as Neo-Ecology, Connectivity, and Digitalization, which create new opportunities for cooperative models, especially in rural areas. The concept of "glocalization," which merges global and local developments, emerges as a crucial theme, benefiting regional production and supply chains. However, the study also highlights challenges faced by cooperatives, including a lack of awareness among younger generations and the need for increased support in establishing new entities. To address these issues, the authors recommend leveraging crises as opportunities, simplifying cooperative founding processes, and enhancing citizen participation. Ultimately, the study advocates for a strategic approach that utilizes the strengths of cooperatives to promote innovation, resilience, and community engagement in the face of pressing economic and environmental challenges.
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.