Mondragon Unibertsitatea: Balancing autonomy and integration in a cooperative university

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Published 27-02-2026
Miguel de La Fuente Cosgaya Leire Uriarte Zabala

Abstract

Mondragon Unibertsitatea is a cooperative university associated with MONDRAGON, established in 1997. It was founded by bringing together different types of members on an equal footing: students, workers, and collaborating members. This cooperative university is yet another achievement of MONDRAGON, notable for its very existence within a university system characterized by the public/private duality. The unique historical development of this experience has led to the creation of three cooperative faculties and a foundation that shape the university structure. Thus, the balance between autonomy and integration is essential within an intercooperation framework aimed at generating knowledge. The tension between horizontal governance and a hierarchical, highly complex education sector presents some significant challenges for this cooperative structure, while also demonstrating the success of a cooperative initiative that responds to the needs of the community in which it is embedded.

How to Cite

de La Fuente Cosgaya, M., & Uriarte Zabala, L. (2026). Mondragon Unibertsitatea: Balancing autonomy and integration in a cooperative university. GIZAEKOA - Revista Vasca De Economía Social , (22). https://doi.org/10.1387/gizaekoa.27539
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Keywords

Cooperative University, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, University of Mondragon, Mondragon cooperativism, Intercooperation

Section
Artículos