The cooperative: fair, united and typically Swiss
16.10.2025
The year 2025 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Cooperatives – a clear sign of their continuing relevance. Cooperatives combine shared economic activity with social responsibility. But what exactly is a cooperative, and why has this type of organisation played such an important role in Switzerland for centuries?
How does a cooperative work?
A cooperative is an association of people who work together to achieve a common goal. At Mobility, that goal is the sustainable sharing of vehicles. How it differs from other legal entities: a cooperative doesn’t belong to individual investors but to its members. Every member has a say – it’s entirely democratic.
How is a cooperative structured?
The key difference between a cooperative and other types of company lies in its purpose and organisation. While conventional firms primarily seek to generate the highest possible profit for their owners, a cooperative focuses on benefits for its members. These include fair prices, reliable services, and the opportunity to get actively involved in shaping the cooperative itself. Each member has one vote, regardless of the amount of capital invested – following the principle of “one person, one vote”.
What role do cooperatives play in Switzerland?
The strong roots of cooperatives in Switzerland go back to a long tradition of self-help and solidarity. As early as the 19th century, farmers, tradespeople and consumers joined forces to buy more cheaply or produce together. In difficult economic times in particular, this model provided security and mutual support – independently of the state. Its democratic structure also fits perfectly with Switzerland’s political culture .
Definition of a cooperative
In Switzerland, cooperatives are associations of people who pursue shared goals. Members are both owners and decision-makers. The great advantage of a cooperative: solidarity takes precedence over maximising profit. Those who join benefit from fair structures, a say in decisions, and sustainable business practices. With more than 8,000 registered cooperatives, they are a strong alternative to conventional companies.
What are the advantages of a cooperative?
For members: participation, transparency and a focus on shared benefit rather than profit.
For society: promotion of the common good, resilience in times of crisis, and the strengthening of democracy in day-to-day life. Cooperatives often operate sustainably and with a long-term outlook. They empower people to take an active role in economic decision-making.
The example of Mobility: when sharing becomes a way of life
The car-sharing cooperative Mobility was founded in 1997 through the merger of two pioneers, ATG and ShareCom. This merger was a logical continuation of Switzerland’s long tradition of cooperation. As a cooperative, Mobility operates efficiently while pursuing goals that serve the common good: these include continuous CO₂ reduction, promoting electric mobility, and keeping its services socially accessible. At Mobility, profits are not paid out as dividends but reinvested in improving and expanding the service.
Cooperatives today: modern and agile
Some people think of cooperatives as being old-fashioned or slow – but in fact the opposite is true. Modern cooperatives are professionally managed, with clear structures and leadership teams. The idea of sharing resources, running a business collectively and making democratic decisions is as relevant as ever. This approach requires more coordination but often leads to more sustainable and resilient solutions.
Conclusion
Cooperatives stand for fairness, solidarity and stability – values with a long tradition in Switzerland. They show that economic success and the common good need not be mutually exclusive. Mobility proves this day after day: those who join have a say – and help make sustainable mobility a reality that is embraced in practice.
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