Forging New Paths or Sticking to Traditions? - A Study on Perceived Opportunities for Collaboration within a Swedish Intersectoral Coordination Mechanism in Addressing the Super-Wicked Problem of Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to examine outcomes following implementation of policies and strategies, with a specific focus on opportunities for collaboration among authorities in their day-to-day operations. The primary objective is to deepen our understanding of how actors perceive collaboration to address a super-wicked problem, in this case AMR. The study focuses on an intersectoral coordination mechanism (ICM) among authorities in Sweden. Theory: The explored approach bases on rational choice institutionalism, where the members can be viewed as rational actors that are shaped by institutional tracks and logics, caused by differences in path dependencies. To complement the theoretical perspective, the approach includes key concepts from collaboration literature, summarizing inhibitors and promoters. This helps identify concepts actors may highlight in their perceived perspectives on collaboration. Method: The study employed a qualitative, deductive approach, using interviews to gather data. Interviews were conducted with members of the Preparatory Group in the ICM, represented by diverse sectors in Swedish AMR work. Respondents had varying durations of involvement in the ICM. Analysis was conducted using a framework merging theoretical approaches with collaboration literature. Results: The results aligned in some ways with the theoretical preunderstanding, especially among the early stages of the ICM, but also highlighted other important aspects. The longer-standing members of the ICM initially expressed uncertainty but improved over time by clarifying roles, routines, and operations. Collaboration facilitated information exchange and raised awareness of diverse perspectives among actors. The respondents offered diverse suggestions of improvements, such as expanding roles and responsibilities of other sectors and altering the structure in several ways. Addressing challenges suggested in the interviews may present varying difficulties.