Co-operatives were born through innovation with a desire to make a change. This innovation has always existed within the movement – but at some point over the past 30 years competition became more important.

Various reasons will be cited in studies about the growth of capitalism and the decline of smaller businesses – but one clear reason why co-ops lose innovation is because they do not co-operate.

Competition is not to be discounted since profit (or surplus) is needed to innovative. So the two work hand-in-hand.

But the one difference we have is the power of the global co-operative brain. We are unlike any other business sector whereas we willingly share information and help each other strive.

Being part of a common purpose is what brings co-operatives together. And, as Richard Pennycook writes in a letter to the Times: “There is an alternative.”

Richard Pennycook highlights co-op model as ‘an alternative’ to capitalism

Following the collapse of BHS, the Co-operative Group’s chief executive says that people power makes a difference: “Being owned by the people they trade with means co-ops aren’t driven by short-term returns to shareholders or subject to the whims of private owners. Our owners have a direct say in how our businesses are run and how our profits are invested.”

The Co-operative Group is working on a masterplan to ensure membership makes some sense to the ordinary shopper. The Co-op member-ship is being steered by the digital team to ensure people is a reality – and with technology it will be easier to achieve to bring the ‘Co-op’ to them.

Getting members engaged is the first stage. But, beyond the shore of people power is something that co-operators must shout louder about – and that is co-operation between co-operatives.

Collectively, the might of co-operatives is a strength and the way for our movement to grow. Technology is at heart of our growth. It’s very easy to connect people around the world. Co-operatives can also have longer-term aims.

This week, we look at retail innovation. Through the use of technology retail co-ops are finding it easier to be more innovative. Some of the initiatives include providing greater transparency about where products have come from through software and empowering shoppers by making the shopping experience much easier.

It’s not just co-ops that can innovate like this. But it is co-ops that can share ideas by working together and providing a better offering for all co-op members around the world.