ASETT—Arizmendiarrieta Social Economy Think and Do Tank—has led an international programme that brought together representatives of the Schwab Foundation, affiliated with the World Economic Forum, and leading figures in social innovation with the Basque Social Economy ecosystem through the cooperative experience of the MONDRAGON Corporation.

Over the course of several days, the international delegation visited cooperatives, technology centres, financial institutions and Social Economy organisations to gain first-hand insight into the business, organisational and regional models that have made the Basque cooperative movement an international benchmark.

The programme combined site visits, strategic discussions and opportunities for dialogue on topics including democratic governance, leadership, purpose-driven business, industrial competitiveness and people-centred economic models.

Key themes explored throughout the programme included the role of democratic participation in business management, the capacity of cooperatives to strengthen economic and industrial resilience, the connection between innovation, competitiveness and social commitment, and the need to promote business models capable of addressing today’s major global social and economic challenges.

The visit also created new opportunities for international dialogue around initiatives such as Business for Purpose, while exploring future collaboration between international organisations working in social innovation, inclusive economic development and the Social Economy.

One of the most significant outcomes of the programme was the impact it had on the international participants, many of whom were discovering the scale of the Basque cooperative ecosystem’s business, technological and industrial capabilities for the first time.

“Many arrived with curiosity—and even a degree of scepticism—but left with admiration, inspiration and renewed confidence to drive change in their own contexts,” several participants reflected at the conclusion of the programme.

At ASETT, initiatives like this form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the international profile of the Social Economy, foster global connections and contribute to the development of economic models that are more inclusive, democratic and sustainable.

The visit also reflects the growing international interest—including within organisations connected to the World Economic Forum—in business models that successfully combine competitiveness, democratic participation and social commitment while contributing to regional development and positive social impact.