The transformation of society at the centre of a co-operative university’s mission

Abstract

Mondragon Unibertsitatea (MU) is a young university created in 1997 whose roots date back to 1943. MU is a non-profit worker-owned co-operative university, of public interest, and a member of MONDRAGON Corporation, with a socially-orientated approach and calling. From the very beginning, MU’s overriding goal has been to play a part in the transformation of society through training of young students and professionals, the generation of knowledge and its subsequent transfer to the business community. Its legal-corporate status as a co-operative and its associated values are the source of its commitment to serve society, shunning any elitist considerations. Furthermore, its decision-making and management bodies include staff, students and businesses and institutions, with equal weightings and elected democratically. In the middle of an increasing public-private debate, the co-operative university claims its public service which puts the focus on its principal values of democracy, transparency, sustainability and solidarity.