The challenge of new technologies and digitalization applied to the cooperative sector. Manifestations of the digital transition in Agricultural and Worker Cooperatives in regions like Catalonia, Aragón, and Valencia
Abstract
Digital transformation requires organizations to better adapt to change, fundamentally making change a core competency. From this starting point, we delve into the cooperative system, both internally and externally, particularly in its interactions with Public Administration. This work focuses primarily on Agricultural Cooperatives and Worker Cooperatives in Catalonia, Valencia, and Aragón. Unfortunately, as has been repeatedly noted, the agricultural sector faces challenges due to an aging and semi-active membership base, coupled with a lack of generational renewal. This results in significant technical and social difficulties. On the other hand, Worker Cooperatives, such as those related to education, present a variety of member types that are not found in other corporate forms, leading to unique challenges regarding the digitalization of governance structures and relationships with Public Administration. It is evident that, gradually and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperative processes and digitalization have made significant progress, driven in part by the aforementioned digitalization efforts within Public Administrations.
Received: 26 November 2024
Accepted: 17 February 2025
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References
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