“Sustainability of Cooperatives: Problems and Solution Proposals” Report Shared with the Public
The report titled “Sustainability of Cooperatives: Problems and Solution Proposals”, prepared with the contributions of SUBÜ academics, has been shared with the public. The study provides scientific solutions to the structural problems faced by cooperatives.
Academics from Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ) contributed to the report, which was prepared under the leadership of the Sakarya Governorship. The results were presented to the public in a program hosted by the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The report was based on interviews conducted with managers, members, and stakeholders of various types of cooperatives operating in Sakarya. It addresses the key structural issues faced by cooperatives and proposes solutions using a scientific approach. Academics from SUBÜ’s Faculty of Applied Sciences who contributed to the report include Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen, Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz, Doç. Dr. Mehmet Bağış, Doç. Dr. Metin Saygılı, and Doç. Dr. Zafer Adıgüzel. The study also received support from the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Commerce, the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
Key Highlights from the Report
The report emphasizes the growing importance of cooperatives in the national economy and their role in contributing to local development. It was found that more than half of the cooperatives across Turkey are either inactive or have been removed from the trade registry. High inactivity rates were especially noted in consumption, small artisan, and motorized carrier cooperatives.
The report identifies five main categories of challenges faced by cooperatives:
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Managerial vulnerabilities
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Financial exclusion
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Insufficient human capital
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Technological adaptation gaps
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Market access difficulties
Additionally, low participation of youth and women in cooperatives limits productive potential. Proposed solutions include fostering a culture of strategic planning, increasing infrastructure investments, facilitating access to finance, and creating mechanisms to encourage active participation of women. Concrete recommendations for digitalization, brand development, and market access are also included.
Cooperatives as the Foundation of Local Development
Regarding the sustainability report, SUBÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Türkay stated:
“Cooperatives are not only an economic entity but also a cornerstone for social solidarity and local development. Sustainability in this context is both an environmental and socio-cultural matter. At Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, our +1 Education Model combines theory with practice, preparing students in real-life settings and transferring knowledge to the field. This research reflects our approach, examining the current situation of cooperatives and the challenges they face, and offering solutions. Our goal is to support existing cooperatives and provide guidance for future initiatives.”
Turkey Produces and Sells to the World
Sakarya Governor Rahmi Doğan emphasized that the report provides a roadmap for cooperatives:
“Despite years of embargoes, our country has continued to produce. Today, Turkey is self-sufficient in production and exports the surplus globally. The private sector and producers have played a major role in this success. Cooperatives, by bringing together small savings and initiatives, can create significant synergy. This study offers a roadmap for making cooperatives more disciplined, transparent, and accountable. I thank everyone involved and hope this work yields positive outcomes for our country and region.”
