Portuguese social solidarity cooperatives between recovery and resilience in the context of covid-19: preliminary results of the COOPVID Project

Covid-19 posed several challenges to all organisations in general and social solidarity cooperatives particular. However, the faced by these have unique features arising from their special characteristics compared other types of cooperatives. Therefore it is vital study impacts covid-19. This study has as main goal understand those impact. An exploratory was undertaken applying 11 interviews social solidarity cooperatives. The cooperatives were chosen be heterogeneous among existent Portugal. corresponds to first phase a project that still underway. article presents main results content analysis data collected interviews. Data show cooperatives could promptly adapt continue mission under pressure pandemic despite the difficulties encountered new unknown situation, showing capacity adapt and serve members. members were also submitted increasing and challenges. adaptations possible due legal changes work organisation law, layoff telework, government support involving financial programs, VAT, tax relaxation, well human resources reorganisation cooperatives’ staff positive attitude towards (both leaders workers). Differences between concerning digital technologies showed already having some infrastructure had minor adapting difficulties.