The report “Sustainability of Cooperatives: Challenges and Solution Proposals”, prepared with contributions from SUBÜ academics, was shared with the public. The study provides scientific solutions to the structural problems faced by cooperatives.
Academics from Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ) contributed to the report, prepared under the leadership of the Sakarya Governorship. The findings, presented to the public in a program hosted by the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are based on interviews with managers, members, and stakeholders from various types of cooperatives operating in Sakarya. The report addresses the main structural challenges cooperatives face and offers scientifically grounded solutions. Contributors from SUBÜ’s Faculty of Applied Sciences included Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen, Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bağış, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Metin Saygılı, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer Adıgüzel. Support was also provided by the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Commerce, Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Key Findings of the Report
The report highlights the growing importance of cooperatives for local development and the national economy. It was found that more than half of cooperatives in Turkey are either inactive or removed from the trade registry. High inactivity rates were particularly noted in consumer, small craft, and motor carrier cooperatives. The main challenges faced by cooperatives were grouped into five categories: managerial vulnerabilities, financial exclusion, lack of human capital, technological adaptation deficiencies, and difficulties in market access. The report also emphasized that low participation of youth and women prevents the productive potential of cooperatives from being fully utilized. Proposed solutions include fostering a culture of strategic planning, increasing infrastructure investments, facilitating access to finance, and creating mechanisms to encourage active participation of women. Concrete recommendations were also made on digitalization, brand development, and market access.
Cooperatives Are Fundamental to Local Development
Commenting on the report, SUBÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Oğuz Türkay stated:
"Cooperatives are not only an economic but also a social solidarity and local development foundation. Sustainability, in this sense, is both an environmental and socio-cultural issue. As Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, we operate with a vision that combines theory with practice through our +1 Education Model, training students within real-life contexts and transferring knowledge to the field. This research reflects that approach. We examined the current situation of cooperatives, their challenges, and proposed solutions. Our goal is to support existing cooperatives and guide future structures."
Turkey Produces and Sells to the World
Emphasizing that the report provides a roadmap for cooperatives, Sakarya Governor Rahmi Doğan stated:
"Despite embargoes applied for years, our country has continued to produce. Today, Turkey is self-sufficient in production and sells its surplus to the world. This success is largely due to our private sector and producers. Cooperatives are a valuable model that can turn small savings and initiatives into a significant synergy. This study offers a roadmap to make cooperatives more disciplined, transparent, and accountable. I thank everyone involved and hope this work brings beneficial results for our country and region."
