Co-operativist, educator, politician and social innovator. Xabier Retegi Ayastui (Bergara, 1937) is a key figure in the recent history of the Basque Country. Over more than six decades of professional career, he has made a decisive contribution to the development of cooperativism, higher education, industrial policy, Basque culture and social innovation. His work has always been guided by a long-term strategic vision, a deep vocation for service and an ethical commitment to social transformation based on knowledge, participation and cooperation.
Training and first steps
He began his training at the Professional Centre of Bergara and, at the age of 17, he started his working career as an electrician at the Unión Cerrajera in his native town. He combined his work with studies in Industrial Expertise at the Polytechnic School of Mondragón and at the School of Industrial Experts in San Sebastián, completing his training with studies in Economics and Engineering. This combination of technical, economic and organisational knowledge would mark his subsequent career, enabling him to approach challenges from a comprehensive and strategic perspective.
Education and co-operativism: the architecture of a transformational model
At the age of 25 he was appointed director of the Mondragón Polytechnic School (1962-1975). From that position he promoted a profound transformation of the educational model, articulating a shared governance teachers, students and companies. With a pioneering vision, he integrated the values of cooperativism - participation, solidarity, teamwork - into the educational structure, connecting technical training with the industrial needs of the territory.
In 1975 he was one of the main driving forces behind IKERLAN, the first technology centre of the Mondragón co-operative group, of which he was president in its founding phase. Retegi designed a model of applied research with a strong business and social impact, setting a precedent in the link university and industry.
He also played a key role in the expansion of the cooperative movement from Caja Laboral's Business Division, advising on the creation of new cooperatives and contributing to their conversion and technification in times of crisis. Later, at Mondragón Corporación Cooperativa (MCC), he headed the Technological Development and Quality Department, leading modernisation, internationalisation and technology transfer processes.
He was also the first Rector of Mondragón Unibertsitatea, the university that best embodies his vision: cooperative higher education, rooted in the community, linked to the business fabric and geared towards social change.
Public management and industrial policy
In 1979, with the recovery of the Basque institutions, he was called by the Basque Government as Deputy Minister of Education until 1982, participating in the creation of the autonomous education and in the negotiations for the transfer of competences. 1991 and 1995 he held key positions in the economic and industrial sphere: General Manager and then CEO of SPRI, Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy, and finally Minister of Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries of the Basque Government (1995-1998).
During this period he led policies for the modernisation of the industrial fabric, the orderly closure of obsolete companies, the promotion of new business initiatives and the boosting of technological innovation, consolidating a public policy aimed at competitiveness and sustainability.
Presidency of Eusko Ikaskuntza: cultural innovation and institutional renewal
2002 and 2008 he was president of Eusko Ikaskuntza - Sociedad de Estudios Vascos, an institution to which he gave a new impetus. His leadership combined respect for the founding principles with a clear will to update and open up.
Under his presidency:
- He promoted the creation of bodies for reflection on the contemporary challenges facing Basque society.
- He promoted work plans in key areas such as sustainability, digitalisation and social cohesion.
- It founded the foundations Euskomedia, a large digital repository of Basque knowledge and culture, and Asmoz, which focuses on online training.
- He strengthened institutional alliances with the Basque and Spanish governments.
- He promoted a statutory reform to extend mandates and improve governance.
- He was the promoter of Jakiunde, the Basque Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters.
Retegi was able to position Eusko Ikaskuntza as a relevant actor in the debate on the future of the country, integrating scientific knowledge, culture and public policy in the same roadmap.
Social innovation: a collective transformation
Throughout his career, Xabier Retegi has argued that innovation cannot be limited to technology or the economy. Retegi rejects short-termism as a management logic and is committed to long-range visions, based on cooperation universities, companies, institutions and citizens. His approach has been integrative, aware that transformation requires not only resources, but also values, shared culture and a collective commitment to the common good.
Xabier Retegi's legacy is that of a builder of institutions and projects for the country. His transformative vision has left a deep mark on education, industry, politics and culture in the Basque Country. From cooperativism to social innovation, through public management and cultural thought, Xabier Retegi is the driving force behind ideas and actions that have strengthened the Basque identity in terms of modernity, inclusion and shared future.
Xabier Retegi has published two works, Neguko Loreak and Horizontes de esperanza: Una visión comunitaria para la sociedad vasca (Neguko Loreak and Horizons of Hope: A Community Vision for Basque Society). In Neguko Loreak (Winter Flowers), 2012, Xabier Retegi condenses reflections and thoughts on different aspects of human existence. Starting from the understanding that each person must trace their own path and find the motivation for their existence and for the satisfaction of their longings, the author encourages the reader to take conscious possession of their life and to orientate it in coherence with their intimate convictions. Subjects such as vocation and education, work and the social function in the different stages of life, freedom and solidarity or the scale of values are analysed with a rational perspective and also with a transcendent vision of faith for believers. In short, Neguko loreak (Winter flowers) aims to encourage us to face life with hope and freedom from a conscious and positive attitude.
Horizons of hope: A community vision for Basque society, 2023, offers an innovative perspective on the future of Basque society, focusing on a community approach. In this book, Xabier Retegi presents his vision for the development and transformation of Basque society, addressing crucial issues such as sustainability, innovation and collaboration different sectors of society. The book is structured around the idea of ‘horizons of hope’, suggesting an optimistic but realistic future for the Basque Country. The book emphasises the importance of community and collective participation in building this future, moving away from more individualistic or centralised approaches.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)