ICBEC Webinar Recap: Teaching Participation

On September 11, 2025, ICBEC hosted an engaging webinar led by Dr. Stefanie Friedel on the question: Are we equipping people to truly participate in cooperatives - or just consume them?

Dr. Friedel shared insights from her research on the factors shaping member participation, including individual motivations, access to resources, and how organizations foster real voice in decision-making. She also presented a practical example from KU Leuven’s Centre for Cooperative Entrepreneurship (KCO), sparking lively discussion across ICBEC’s diverse membership.

Key reflections included challenges around audience diversity, the surprising lack of cooperative knowledge, and barriers like time, cost, and access to learning.

Check out the article on our website to read more about the session and explore our Padlet to keep the conversation going!