The Basque Social Economy has reached 98,009 annualized paid jobs, equivalent to 10.4% of Euskadi's employment. Mercantile entities account for nearly 75,500 jobs, while non-profit institutions provide over 22,510 positions, according to 2024 Social Economy Statistics and 2025 Advance data.
During its presentation in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Vice Minister of Labor and Social Security, Elena Pérez Barredo, emphasized that "the Social Economy once again demonstrates its ability to combine economic growth, job creation, and commitment to people. It is a business model that brings stability, rootedness, value, and social cohesion to Euskadi."
Between 2022 and 2024, employment in the sector increased by 4.7%, surpassing the 3.7% recorded in the overall Basque labor market. The number of establishments also grew by 5.1%, reaching nearly 5,700 physical establishments in Euskadi.
“"the Social Economy confirms its role as a driver of quality employment, social cohesion, and competitiveness in Euskadi"
Cooperatives and labor societies have achieved a historic maximum of 64,814 annualized jobs in 2024. By sector, services lead job creation with 6.5% growth, followed by construction at 16.1%.
Geographically, Álava shows the highest increase in cooperatives and labor societies with 10%, followed by Bizkaia (4.8%) and Gipuzkoa (4.1%).
The turnover of cooperatives and labor societies reached 11,175 million euros in 2024, 16.1% more than two years prior. For 2025, stability in employment and growth in turnover are projected.
Investment also shows positive momentum, reaching 381.4 million euros in 2024. In innovation, 27.5% of cooperatives and labor societies engaged in innovation activities, while 56.5% have integrated internal management technologies for digital transformation.
“"These results reflect the work of thousands of cooperatives, labor societies, foundations, public utility associations, special employment centers, insertion companies, and other entities that contribute daily to building a more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable economy. From the Basque Government, and especially from the Department of Economy, Labor, and Employment, we will continue to support and promote this ecosystem because it generates wealth, but also value and social cohesion."
