Cooperative social balance and its evolution towards a digital model

Abstract

Digital transformation, which began in the 1960s with the development of the Cooperative Social Balance Sheet (BSCoop), has changed people's behavior and organizational structure, driving solidarity-based enterprises to adapt to the digital environment despite technological limitations. Documentary research on information technologies governance in cooperatives is crucial to narrowing gaps and achieving greater technological maturity, facilitating transformation strategies that consider all operational aspects. BSCoop is a social tool that assesses and communicates the impact of cooperatives on the community, beyond the financial, based on cooperative principles. With the shift toward digitalization, blockchain is being incorporated to improve transparency, participation, security, and scaling of cooperative operations. Despite challenges such as resistance to change and a lack of digital skills, the adoption of emerging technologies is essential for cooperatives to remain competitive and relevant in the digital age. There are no specific digital transformation models for cooperatives, but strategies from similar sectors, such as banking, can guide this process.