Service cooperatives: collaborative and efficient

One of the types of cooperative least known by the general public is the service and professional cooperative. This business model represents an innovative, collaborative formula that allows the participation of a wide range of members, including self-employed workers, traditional companies, cooperatives and worker-owned companies. All of them maintain their independence when developing their business activities.

What are service cooperatives?

Service cooperatives act as platforms that facilitate business and professional cooperation. Their main aim is to provide access to resources and services, which, on an individual scale would be difficult to reach or economically unfeasible for their members. This is translated into a significant improvement in the competitiveness and sustainability of their businesses.

Advantages of service cooperatives

• Access to shared resources: The members may benefit from scale economies by sharing resources such as installations, equipment, technology and specialised personnel.
• Reduction in costs: Cooperation allows operating and administrative costs to be reduced, meaning greater profitability for the members.
• Strengthening of the position on the market: When members join forces, this allows them to compete in equal conditions with larger, more consolidated companies.
• Access to new markets and clients: Cooperation can open the doors to new markets and business opportunities, which would be inaccessible for the members individually.
• Exchange of knowledge and experiences: The members can share knowledge, experiences and good practices, all of which promote learning and innovation.
• Support and advisory service: Cooperatives usually offer support and advisory services in areas such as business management, marketing, finances and legal aspects.

Types of service cooperatives

The service cooperative structure allows the member cooperatives to share resources and knowledge, which is translated into an improvement in the quality and efficiency of the healthcare services that they offer.

There are also other service cooperatives, which are also designed to meet the specific needs of their members. 

• Business services cooperative: these cooperatives group together workers and companies with different specialities; some of the most popular ones are for fishermen, transporters or craftsmen and women. 
• Public services cooperative: they provide services for the general public such as electricity, water or telecommunications. 
• Social services cooperative: these may be healthcare service cooperatives, offering medical and social care, or they may also offer other specialities such as educational services. 

Service cooperatives represent an efficient, sustainable business alternative for self-employed workers, companies and professionals who want to improve their competitiveness and gain access to new resources and opportunities. This collaborative model promotes cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and the creation of synergies, benefitting all the members of the cooperative.