Co-determination as an anticipatory practice? German works councils and the democratisation of the future

We explore the role that works councils can play in promoting inclusive and democratic innovation processes in companies by democratising anticipatory practices. Drawing on interviews with 33 experts from 13 German organisations with particularly well-developed co-determination practices, we examine how works councils envision their companies’ futures and shape organisational transformations in the interests of employees and, potentially, society more broadly. Across manufacturing, public administration, and retail, we identify complementary forms of strategic intervention and employee participation. Works councils analyse societal and industry trends, develop visions for digital transformation, and introduce technology demonstrators to stimulate debate among employees about future working environments. In doing so, they broaden the range and diversity of stakeholders involved in corporate anticipatory practices and governance. We then discuss the conditions that have enabled these rare pioneers to develop the epistemic capacities required for more inclusive forms of anticipation. Business decisions, and with them the most consequential anticipatory practices, are usually monopolised by corporate management and owners. ... mehrWe therefore discuss structural reforms, including amendments to the German Works Constitution Act, that could strengthen workers’ voices in corporate governance. Such reforms could democratise anticipatory practices, support more socially and environmentally sustainable innovation, and contribute to better societal outcomes.