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Cooperatives as a Form of Social Entrepreneurship and Their Role in Combating the Climate Crisis in Nordic Agriculture

Author

Listed:
  • Irene Kujala

    (Åbo Akademi University)

  • Martin Nordell

    (Åbo Akademi University)

  • Anna-Greta Nyström

    (Åbo Akademi University)

Abstract

Climate change is one of the utmost challenges to the sustainable development of societies and economies. The global risks associated with climate change pose a threat especially to the agricultural sector and to the diverse forms of entrepreneurship within this area, including cooperatives. Cooperatives are well placed to contribute to sustainable development and play a prominent role in agricultural business, both in developed and developing countries. Cooperatives are further seen as potential organizational vehicles for development of society, owing to their manifold objectives and democratic and value-driven approach. Thus, cooperatives form a fertile ground for social entrepreneurship and play a significant role as agents of social innovation and local development. In this context, the aim of this study is to develop an understanding of the role of sustainable social entrepreneurship in combating the climate crisis in the context of cooperatives in southern Finland by answering the following research questions: What is the role of cooperatives as drivers of social entrepreneurship (SE) in combating climate change? How are agricultural cooperatives as a form of SE in the south of Finland addressing climate change? How do the key actors of the cooperative network perceive climate change, and how is this visible in their actions and activities? Based on the Finnish context for agricultural cooperatives, what are the theoretical, managerial, and policy implications for cooperatives as drivers of SE? The significance of this study lies in its potential contributions to the understanding of social entrepreneurship’s role in promoting sustainable development and addressing climate crisis, as well as its practical implications for agricultural cooperatives seeking to foster social entrepreneurship to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study is based on a qualitative case study approach. Data is collected through interviews and a questionnaire among agricultural cooperatives in the southern region of Finland. Implications for theory and practice are also suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Kujala & Martin Nordell & Anna-Greta Nyström, 2025. "Cooperatives as a Form of Social Entrepreneurship and Their Role in Combating the Climate Crisis in Nordic Agriculture," International Studies in Entrepreneurship,, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inschp:978-3-031-77513-0_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-77513-0_3
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