Podcast: Prof Maryline Filippi – ICA Global and ICA Europe
[ E09 ]In this episode of Co-op Leader Conversations, Cooperative Business NZ is joined by Professor Maryline Filippi, agricultural economist and board member of International Cooperative Alliance Global and Europe.
Drawing on more than 25 years of research, Maryline explains the scale and significance of the global cooperative economy. Using insights from the World Cooperative Monitor, she demonstrates that co-operatives are not niche or alternative, but major players across agriculture, insurance, food, energy and finance, particularly in Europe.
The conversation explores how European co-operatives are responding to climate change, ESG and sustainability obligations through the European Green Deal and related frameworks. Maryline shares concrete examples, including French agricultural co-operatives reorganising factories and supply chains to reduce emissions while remaining competitive.
A key theme is governance. As co-operatives grow into complex groups, maintaining member control, democratic accountability and cooperative identity becomes more challenging. Maryline explains how legal frameworks, education and transparency help protect these foundations.
The episode also compares European and New Zealand contexts, highlighting both similarities and differences in policy support, tax treatment and public recognition. Maryline closes with a strong message that co-operatives are uniquely positioned to deliver economic, environmental and social value, but only if leaders and policymakers understand and protect what makes them different.
Conversation themes
The global scale of the cooperative economy
European climate and sustainability policy
Governance and member control at scale
Comparative insights for New Zealand
Co-operatives as future-facing enterprises
Why this matters
This episode is particularly valuable for leaders engaging with ESG, climate policy and advocacy. It strengthens the case for co-operatives as proven, high-impact economic institutions rather than alternative models.
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