Transformation Central

I visited the Technological Incubator of Popular Cooperatives (ITCP) in February of 2006, around the same time I was first hearing about and experiencing the vibrant and growing solidarity economy movement in Latin America. I was at first puzzled when our tour included ample emphasis on their internet database and computer resources, especially when most of the members of the cooperatives they help to incubate are illiterate, but I now realize how valuable this information-sharing can be. As the Incubator transmits basic knowledge about how to start a cooperative, it is also gaining knowledge about the grassroots challenges and the needs of the communities that it works in. This information is then able to be conveyed to other cooperatives, and to other technical networks. The Technological Incubator of Popular Cooperatives is not only supporting individual players in the solidarity economy, but also building a network of expertise and shared information.  

ITCP is an initiative run by the Engineering Post-Graduate and Research Coordination at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ). The incubator was started in 1996 to build and grow popular cooperative enterprises that could combat the inequalities exacerbated by the prevailing neo-

liberal model, and these enterprises specifically strive to reach out to the socially excluded and vulnerable. ITCP advises these cooperatives on how best to create a business plan and to formalize their business, and educates cooperative members in self-management and accounting, as well as promoting computer literacy. Such computer literacy is necessary because ITCP puts extensive information about popular cooperatives on their website, along with information on how to begin the process of starting these cooperatives, and animated training modules that illustrate some of the common problems encountered by existing cooperatives. The incubator also identifies niches for new cooperatives, and negotiates for credit for popular cooperative ventures. Each cooperative is incubated for three years, but that period can be extended if need be. In fact, ITCP’s services are very much in demand, and perspective cooperatives must apply to the incubator. Selections are made on factors ranging including mobilization, clear economic aims, and integration in membership and with the community. The work of the Incubator is also forming a model for other support organizations in the solidarity economy. After being recognized for its work by both the World Bank and the Getulio Vargas Foundation, ITCP’s methodology is now used in 16 Brazilian universities in 10 different states.

After spending time at the Incubator, I had the privilege to visit one of their projects, Cooperativa de Produção de Artesanal Mulheres Artesãs da Maré, located in an informal community in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. The women in this cooperative use crochet and knitting techniques to weave together metal chains and semi-precious stones, creating unique and beautiful jewelry and handicrafts. At the time, the cooperative had been incubated for six months, and was experiencing many problems as it tried to grow and formalize. The credit that it was able to get came at a very high interest, and the cooperative was also taxed at a high rate, and they also mentioned the high fees to gain legal status. Yet, as I talked to these women, it was the opportunity that these women chose to focus on, rather than the setbacks. Of course, the economic benefits were undeniable; they taught each other their crochet stitches and pooled their knowledge and technical expertise; they were all paid the same piece rate, and they rotated administrative jobs like accounting, giving each woman a chance to learn these skills. On a personal level, however, these women talked about gaining self-esteem and live-long friends. One woman told me that if she didn’t come into work on a specific day, the other women would call her to ask if she felt alright, and if there was anything they could do. Another woman spoke of acquiring new confidence as she acquired new skills. It was easy to see that this small solidarity economy cooperative was integrated into its members’ lives and communities; playing children were running in and out of the building as they worked, and the members also mentioned using the space for sexual education programs for their daughters. The Technological Incubator of Popular Cooperatives is giving this one cooperative the support it needs to continue to thrive, and is involved with numerous similar projects in the local area.

For more information, visit ITCP’s popular cooperativism portal: http://www.cooperativismopopular.ufrj.br/index_meio_ingles.php; or visit their English-language website, with more information about their organization: http://www.itcp.coppe.ufrj.br/who_we_are.html