Unveiled at the International Summit of Cooperatives, the World Co-operative Monitor shows how important the contribution of co-operatives is to the global economy.
Already in its third edition, the Monitor is the result of a partnership between the International Co-operative Alliance and the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (Euricse), which gathers data on global co-operatives.
This year’s monitor presents results of data analysis on the largest co-operatives around the world using 2012 financial results. The questionnaire, which laid at the basis of the process of data collection helped gather not only general and economic information, but also social data.
Presented by Gianluca Salvatori, CEO of Euricse, he called on national c0-operative leaders to encourage co-ops in their countries to submit data in future years. The monitor’s database includes information on 1,926 co-operatives from 65 countries.
“A lack of data means we have no robust data to build our business strategy and planning,” said Mr Salvatori. “How can we improve the understanding of the co-operative world? How can we explain the difference? We know the International Co-operative Alliance is taking steps towards this with the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade. Nevertheless, we need better information and knowledge.”
He added that “we live in a time of metrics” and those who make complex decisions, such as policymakers need access to data. “We need knowledge based on a solid theory proven by accurate data.”
“You could help us to get there,” he told delegates in Quebec. “Complete the survey online, spread the word about the project and encourage others to participate and you can create with our help national/regional observatories based on the monitor methodology.”
All co-ops represented in the database achieved a turnover of $2.623 trillion. The monitor also reveals that 1,312 co-operatives across 50 countries had a turnover over $100m.
Over 41% of the 2014 top 300 were active in the insurance sector, 27% in agriculture, 20% in retail and wholesale, 5% in banking, 4% in industry and utilities and 1% in health and social care, while 2% came from other activities or services.