Barriers to Youth Inclusion and Digital Transformation in Guatemalan Cooperatives

Abstract

The article explores the problem of low youth participation in Guatemalan cooperatives and how this situation limits the capacity of cooperatives to innovate, digitize and contribute to inclusive economic development. The research is based on a mixed methodology that combines 395 structured surveys, aimed at analyzing aspects such as digitalization, barriers and opportunities within cooperativism: along with 11 in-depth interviews with leaders and young cooperative members to delve deeper into their perceptions and expectations. It is complemented by a binary logit model and a χ² test that contrast the relationship between ICT use and active youth participation. The results show that, although cooperatives are perceived as instruments for community development, youth feel disconnected from them due to their traditional image and the lack of training programs and opportunities in rural areas. The lack of knowledge about the cooperative model and its benefits constitutes an important barrier to the inclusion of young people. However, it is observed that those cooperatives that have implemented digital technologies are able to attract more young talent, underlining the importance of digitalization in the modernization of the cooperative sector. Digital transformation is shown to be an essential element that positively helps to increase youth participation in the cooperative. The study concludes that it is essential to develop training and digitalization strategies to promote youth inclusion. Proposals such as the implementation of training programs, specific incentives, scholarships, school exchanges and job boards have the potential to capture the interest of young people. These initiatives can not only strengthen cooperativism but also turn it into an engine of youth employment and inclusive economic development in Guatemala, contributing to reducing youth unemployment and promoting more equitable economic growth.