The International Cooperative Alliance – Asia Pacific ( ICA-AP) Committee on Cooperative Research (CCR) organized the 18th ICA Asia Pacific Research Conference on ‘Cooperatives in the Next Industrial Revolution’ in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) and Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) Ltd. in Kozhikode, Kerala, India from 15-18 October 2024.
The various sessions during the conference explored the role of cooperatives in shaping the future of work amidst the ongoing technological advancements and industrial transformations. In an era marked by automation, digitalization and globalization, cooperatives emerge as a resilient and sustainable alternative, fostering democratic workplaces, equitable distribution of wealth, and community empowerment.
The conference gathered over 300 leaders and experts from 18 countries to redefine the cooperative model for the digital era. A key focus was the transformative impact of digital advancements on the global cooperative sector.
Participants presented more than 150 research papers on a diverse range of topics, alongside the Coop Pitch 2024 competition aimed at youth, coopreneurs, and social entrepreneurs.
Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, emphasized the importance of businesses adopting conscious capitalism while highlighting the need to prioritize environmental sustainability.
Yashavantha Dongre, Vice Chancellor of Chanakya University and Chair of Research at the International Cooperative Alliance-Asia Pacific, advocated for enhanced research and collaboration among cooperatives to promote sustainable growth.
T.M. Thomas Isaac, former Finance Minister of Kerala, positioned Kerala as a leader in transitioning to a knowledge-based economy under Industry 5.0. He argued that cooperatives are ideally suited to spearhead this shift, particularly in a region facing high unemployment among educated youth. Despite these challenges, he noted the presence of millions of migrant workers and proposed that adopting Industry 5.0 technologies could stimulate startups and skill-based industries.
Balasubramanian Iyer, Regional Director of the International Cooperative Alliance Asia-Pacific, highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing among cooperatives globally.
Panel discussions reinforced the necessity of integrating digital technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness, all while upholding the democratic values fundamental to cooperatives.
