Cooperativismo colombiano como modelo económico - social de empresas asociativas

Colombian cooperativism has been a key tool in addressing the economic and social challenges that have marked the country's history. This review article aims to analyze its evolution, identify the main challenges it faces in the 21st century, and explore perspectives that can strengthen its impact on socioeconomic development. In particular, it addresses how cooperatives have responded to structural crises and proposes strategies to improve their performance, especially in areas such as financing, member training, and the integration of sector-specific technologies. The methodology used is qualitative, employing the post-positivist paradigm and using hermeneutics to interpret the dynamics of cooperativism and the experiences of the actors involved. The findings highlight that, although cooperativism has a long history in Colombia, it faces significant barriers that limit its growth and sustainability. This analysis concludes that strengthening cooperativism requires innovation, intercooperation, and a more inclusive regulatory framework.