helhetsplan

Helhetsplan, literally “comprehensive plan” in Swedish, is a planning approach used in public administration and organizational development to coordinate actions across multiple sectors in order to address complex problems. Rather than focusing on a single department or program, a helhetsplan aims to align goals, resources, and timelines across relevant actors to achieve coherent outcomes.

In practice, a helhetsplan is both a planning process and a document. It defines the problem, articulates a shared vision or goals, identifies responsible actors, and specifies concrete actions, milestones, budgets, and governance arrangements. It also includes indicators for monitoring progress and a framework for evaluating impact.

Common domains include urban development, social services, education, health care, and environmental planning; examples include a holistic urban renewal plan that links housing, transport, and green space, or a care-related helhetsplan coordinating housing, health, and social supports for a vulnerable population.

Implementation challenges include coordinating across agencies with different mandates, securing funding, data sharing, and maintaining accountability. Success depends on stakeholder involvement, clear leadership, and a feasible governance structure.

Related concepts include översiktsplan (comprehensive plan), strategy and action plans, and program management. The term is primarily used in Swedish public administration, though similar approaches exist internationally under names such as integrated planning or holistic planning.