The Ibero-American Observatory OIBESCOOP has completed a major effort to bring together, describe and contextualize the main degree programmes that currently make up the university educational offer in the Social and Solidarity Economy across Ibero-America. The result is an initial repository showcasing nearly 40 programmes, many of them well established over time and, in all cases, enjoying academic recognition and research lines that have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the generation and dissemination of knowledge on the social, solidarity and cooperative economy.
The Social and Solidarity Economy has become a space for reflection, action and social transformation that promotes an alternative vision of development, placing people and their communities at the centre, based on the values of solidarity, equity, democracy and sustainability. In the Ibero-American context, its gradual institutionalisation has been accompanied by growing academic interest, reflected in the proliferation of university programmes aimed at training professionals capable of leading processes of social, economic and organisational innovation through participatory and community-based approaches.
Indeed, universities have played an essential role in this expansion, shaping a higher education network that transcends national borders and reflects the institutional, cultural and epistemological diversity of the Ibero-American region. Thus, in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Spain and Portugal, among others, there are programmes at every academic level (doctoral degrees, master’s degrees, postgraduate specialisations, diploma programmes and continuing education programmes) covering topics ranging from the management of cooperatives and solidarity organisations to the application of the social economy to territorial development, social entrepreneurship, and popular and solidarity finance.
According to OIBESCOOP, the objective of this compilation is not only to provide a descriptive overview, but also to help recognise the existence of a genuine Ibero-American educational ecosystem in the social and cooperative economy. This ecosystem is nourished by the convergence of professional practice, teaching, applied research and collaborative networks, involving not only universities but also organisations and federations, public administrations and social movements.
Observation, dialogue and dissemination
As a platform for observation, dialogue and dissemination, OIBESCOOP seeks through this initiative to contribute to the academic mapping of the social economy in Ibero-America, offering a reference tool for researchers and academics, as well as for students seeking education for their future, and for public officials and organisations interested in promoting this model, convinced that the shared objective is to educate professionals and leaders committed to their communities and the common good.
This entire effort represents a significant first step towards coordination, visibility and mutual recognition among degree programmes and universities, with a view to consolidating a common Ibero-American educational area in the social and cooperative economy.
Finally, OIBESCOOP has expressed its hope that this compilation will serve as a starting point for academic dialogue and inter-university cooperation, and that it will contribute to expanding the presence and principles of the Social and Solidarity Economy within higher education, reaffirming its essential role in building fairer, more sustainable and more solidaristic societies.
University educational offer in the Social and Solidarity Economy across Ibero-America
