“I would like participants to leave with the conviction that they are part of a movement essential to our society, and that they transform the learnings of these two days into a pragmatic and actionable network beyond the summit.”
On the eve of the closing plenary of the Global Innovation Coop Summit 2025, we met with Agnès Mathis, Director General of Cooperatives Europe, to talk about the future of cooperatives in a rapidly changing world.
Under the theme “COOPERATING FOR THE FUTURE — FROM INNOVATION TO ACTION — BUILDING SUSTAINABLE IMPACT”, this session promises to inspire, bring people together, and spark concrete actions. Agnès explains how cooperatives can become key players of change, innovate in the face of today’s major challenges, and plant the seeds of a sustainable future.
GICS: Could you briefly explain the theme of your plenary and what you hope participants will take away?
Agnès Matis: As its title suggests, the objective is ambitious. Above all, I hope participants will leave with actionable ideas that contribute pragmatically to building a sustainable society and environment. It can also be an opportunity to discover that challenges are often similar and to open paths toward cooperative collaboration to overcome them.
GICS: Why is it essential that cooperatives and mutuals play a central role in the transition to a sustainable future?
AM: It is essential for several reasons. The first is obvious. As people-centered organizations, cooperatives and mutuals are created as economic tools to meet the needs of their members or society. Playing a role in building a sustainable future is therefore their very essence. They are rooted in a long-term vision that inherently includes sustainability. It is worth noting that before ecology or social issues became political concerns—or even markets—our enterprises were already active in these areas. They serve as economic tools to raise awareness of the challenges our society faces for its sustainability.
GICS: In today’s context, marked by tipping points such as the energy transition, climate challenges, and economic transformations, how does Cooperatives Europe envision the future of cooperatives and their role in addressing these challenges?
AM: We can look to the future with confidence, but also with realism. Of course, the current context represents challenges for cooperatives and mutuals. They cannot simply endure and remain resilient. Cooperative strategy is tied to a long-term perspective, based on the vision of the men and women who are members—not purely on an economic outlook. This allows us to anticipate needs and establish dialogue about how to meet them. It is important not to isolate ourselves and rely solely on the local anchoring of our enterprises. Cooperation between cooperatives and mutuals is therefore also essential for resilience and future strategy.
GICS: In your view, what are the main challenges cooperatives face today when it comes to innovating and generating sustainable impact?
AM: While cooperatives have considerable strengths, operationally they can face specific challenges. Limited access to capital is one, particularly when investments are needed in technological and environmental innovation. Democratic governance can also appear as a slowing factor compared to the quick responses that markets in these new sectors require. Finally, the cooperative model is also challenged by new forms of enterprise (B Corporations, impact enterprises, etc.) that may communicate in ways more in tune with the younger generation.
GICS: Cooperatives Europe represents a wide range of cooperatives across Europe. Can you tell us how your organization supports its members in innovation and international collaboration?
AM: As the European region of the International Cooperative Alliance, our members have access to a worldwide network of cooperatives and cooperative organizations. But our role goes beyond connecting them. A partnership signed with the European Commission funds four years of actions aimed at improving the framework in which cooperatives develop. Part of this program fosters cooperation between different ICA regions. For example, we recently organized an exchange with the Americas region on the topic of health. More specifically on innovation, our advocacy work ensures that all forms of innovation—including social innovation—are taken into account. We work to ensure that legal initiatives or programs supporting innovation integrate cooperatives. This is a collective effort carried out with our national members and European sectors.
GICS: What key lessons or messages do you hope summit participants will take away?
AM: I want them to leave with the conviction that they are part of a movement essential to our society; that once back from Torres Vedras, they promote the learnings of these two days, and that the debates help create a pragmatic, actionable network beyond the summit itself.
GICS: Finally, what advice would you give to cooperatives and mutuals that want to amplify their impact and innovate in their sector?
AM: Listen to their base, involve future generations, and do not hesitate to collaborate with other cooperatives or mutuals.
