To continue actively helping to promote cooperativism, this 2026 we’ll work on
fostering community among our guest initiatives. These already include more than 40
projects from sectors like technology, the energy transition, architecture or
communication. One of our main challenges will be transitioning from our first group of
cooperatives and strengthening the guidance we provide on how to build ties with local
communities once they leave the space. Meanwhile, we’ll work on becoming a gateway
to meeting the sector’s financial needs.
This year will be especially significant because of the inauguration of Bloc4BCN’s
kitchen, the first shared workshop for the incubation of cooperative projects in the
Barcelona metropolitan area. This initiative will provide guidance and resources for the
development of new food cooperatives, with the goal of starting out with an initial
group of 12 organizations. Our semi-industrial workshops will also be put to use, as
projects explore their production potential.
In the field of innovation and external outreach, Bloc4BCN will continue to promote
Techbloc4. This program is aimed at tech cooperatives and internationalization services
to promote Catalan cooperatives’ connections abroad, while our challenges service
works to strengthen the centre’s role as a point of reference in applied cooperative
innovation by creating practical solutions that meet the sector’s needs.
Meanwhile, our commitment to youth talent is addressed by the JovESS program. This
year it will intensify guidance for professional internships in cooperatives. Around 20
training sessions have been planned so far, including guided tours and outreach talks for
training centres. Our escape room, VilaESScoop, will also continue; this recreational,
interactive experience promotes the values of cooperativism and the SSE. As for the use
of our space, the technical equipment in our auditorium (which is over 220 m²) will be
upgraded so that the facility can host nationally and internationally significant events.
There’s no doubt about it: 2026 will be a key year for the growth of Bloc4BCN as a
driver of socioeconomic transformation to bring about a more equitable future.