EURICSE and Cooperazione Trentina: joint initiatives to support the cooperative economy
EURICSE and the Trentino Federation of Cooperation are strengthening their partnership with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding, signed today by the presidents Paola Iamiceli and Roberto Simoni.
The protocol stems from a shared desire to place the numerous existing partnerships within a more structured and dynamic institutional framework, one that brings together activities, expertise and shared visions, thereby strengthening the impact of joint initiatives at local, national and international levels.
At the heart of the agreement lies the coordination of initiatives of mutual interest and the development of new projects to benefit the cooperative sector in Trentino, alongside a wider and more effective dissemination of research findings. Within this framework, EURICSE will contribute its scientific expertise and the reach of its international network, whilst the Trentino Federation of Cooperatives will provide its in-depth knowledge of the local area, data and established relationships with cooperatives.
The collaboration will cover a wide range of areas: from the exchange of strategic information to the planning of joint research projects, from support for training activities to joint participation in national and European calls for proposals, right through to advocacy work at international level. Particular attention will be paid to promoting a cooperative culture and showcasing the experiences of the Trentino region, through the coordinated use of communication channels and networks.
A steering group, comprising the presidents of the two organisations and their operational representatives, will ensure the agreement’s continuity and effectiveness; its role will be to set priorities, support the development of activities and monitor their results over time. This will be complemented by a joint annual programme, designed to provide strategic direction for joint actions.
With a duration of three years, the agreement represents a significant step towards strengthening the link between research and cooperation, with the aim of generating value for local areas and contributing to the social and economic development of communities.
“This Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework for EURICSE and the Federation to strengthen and develop a partnership that has been integral to our Institute’s history since its inception. Today’s signing allows us to consolidate this partnership and, within a more structured framework, foster new initiatives in response to the many challenges facing the cooperative sector within the global social and economic context. At a time when economic, social and values-based crises are multiplying, dialogue between research and cooperation becomes an essential tool for building pathways to growth that are inclusive, sustainable and respectful of the specific characteristics of local areas”, said EURICSE President Paola Iamiceli.
“This is an important step”,comments Roberto Simoni, President of the Trentino Federation of Cooperatives, “towards strengthening a collaboration that is already solid and strategic for our region. By combining scientific expertise with first-hand knowledge of the cooperative sector, we can tackle current challenges – from innovation to sustainability – more effectively, whilst at the same time highlighting the role of cooperatives in economic and social development. The synergy with EURICSE further consolidates the link between research and cooperative enterprise, helping to generate value for communities and to promote the Trentino model at both national and international levels.”
The joint initiative by the two organisations draws its strength from the combined expertise and know-how of two entities that, among other things, have strong roots in Trentino: EURICSE, as the European Institute for Research on the Social Economy, and the Trentino Federation of Cooperatives, with its more than 400 member enterprises and over 280,000 members across the region.
The results achieved by these organisations now serve as a benchmark not only at local level, but also at national and European level. In an increasingly complex and interconnected economic context, the Trentino cooperative model stands out for its resilience and adaptability, founded on principles of mutuality, democratic participation and a focus on collective well-being.
Cooperatives, in fact, do more than simply generate economic value; they actively contribute to social cohesion, sustainable development and the reduction of inequalities. The integration of research, innovation and local action enables the development of practical solutions to contemporary challenges, including the digital transition, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
In this sense, the Trentino experience serves as a cutting-edge showcase of best practice, capable of inspiring policies and models that can be replicated in other contexts. The results achieved demonstrate how the synergy between scientific knowledge and cooperative action can generate lasting positive impacts, strengthening the link between the economy and society and contributing to the building of a fairer and more inclusive future.
