Former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac emphasized the importance of cooperatives in tackling the challenges of the evolving global economy, marked by the disruption of traditional labour systems and the rise of platform-based economies dominated by large corporations.
Speaking at a seminar titled “The Cooperative Sector in the Next Industrial Revolution” in Kozhikode on Tuesday, Isaac highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by disorganized and underpaid workers and presented cooperatives as a viable alternative to mitigate these issues.
The seminar is part of a larger event that has drawn the attention of experts and scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region. Kozhikode is hosting the 18th ICA Asia Pacific Research Conference from October 15-18, 2024, co-organized by the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) and the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) Ltd., in collaboration with the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperative Research (CCR).
With the theme “Cooperatives in the Next Industrial Revolution,” the four day conference will explore the role of cooperatives in addressing the rapid changes brought about by technological advancements, automation, and globalization.
Through discussions, debates, and collaborative sessions, the conference explores how cooperatives can continue to thrive and evolve as key drivers of democratic workplaces in this new industrial era.
Notably, the event also features a Young & Emerging Scholars (YES) Workshop, an initiative that aims to foster the next generation of cooperative leaders. This workshop offers young researchers and scholars a platform to present their work, exchange ideas with experienced academics, and learn about cutting-edge developments in the cooperative sector.
A diverse range of participants, including scholars, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists, are attending the event. The conference aims to serve as an interdisciplinary forum where attendees can exchange insights and share best practices from across different sectors.
The discussions cover not only the challenges but also the opportunities presented by the ongoing technological advancements, focusing on how cooperatives can adapt and innovate in this fast-changing landscape.
The event at its closure is expected to provide insights into how cooperatives can shape the future of work by offering resilient and inclusive workplaces that prioritize social and economic welfare, particularly in the face of profound shifts in global industries.