Intersektoriell

Intersektoriell is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian policy discourse to describe approaches, policies, or actions that cross sector boundaries by coordinating among public, private, and civil society actors. The aim is to address complex problems that cannot be solved by a single sector alone, such as health outcomes, environmental sustainability, urban development, and social equity.

In practice, intersektoriell work involves joint planning, shared goals, and mechanisms that span government ministries, agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private partners. Common arrangements include cross-ministerial committees, joint strategies, pooled funding, data sharing, and integrated service delivery.

Benefits include synergies, more holistic solutions, and better alignment of policies with social determinants of outcomes. Intersektoriell approaches are central to movements like intersectoral action for health and to the goals of sustainable development that require cross-cutting collaboration.

Challenges include divergent mandates and budgets, institutional silos, power differences, complex governance, and difficulties in measuring joint impact. Effective intersektoriell work typically requires clear governance, designated leadership, accountability arrangements, and long-term commitment.