Internationalization, innovation, and resilience: Financial performance of agricultural cooperatives in southeastern Spain's rural economy

This study examines the impact of internationalization on the financial resilience, innovation capacity, and long-term sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Southeastern Spain, a region with a strong agricultural tradition. Expanding into international markets enhances the economic viability of cooperatives and contributes to rural development. Using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney U test and cluster analysis, this research compares cooperatives with other agri-food enterprises, identifying distinct challenges and opportunities in a globalized context. The results indicate that internationalization drives digital innovation, strengthens export performance, and enhances financial resilience, positioning cooperatives as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable rural economies. This study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), underscoring the role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the analysis is framed within a post-pandemic context, recognizing how COVID-19 has accelerated digitization and reshaped global supply chains, amplifying the strategic significance of cooperatives. The findings highlight the need for supportive policies that facilitate the internationalization of cooperatives and strengthen their ability to navigate global uncertainties, while reinforcing rural economic stability. • Internationalization promotes innovation and financial resilience of cooperatives. • Exports significantly increase the profitability of cooperatives. • Digital innovation is key to the international expansion of rural cooperatives. • Cooperative governance improves their adaptation to global economic pressures. • Internationalization promotes sustainable rural economic development.