The strength to co-operate: The case for collaborative governance to achieve shared policy goals
The case for collaborative governance to achieve shared policy goals
PolicyWISE has published a new report calling for stronger collaboration between the UK’s governments to tackle shared policy challenges and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
The new report ‘The strength to co-operate’, sets out the urgent policy priorities which would most benefit from shared endeavour, mutual understanding and collaborative action, across the UK’s governing authorities.
Why Cooperation Matters Now
The period following the May 2026 elections and leading up to a possible UK General Election in 2028/29 should mark a new era for UK intergovernmental relations, and an opportunity for multilateral and multinational governance.
Whilst our system of intergovernmental relations needs flexibility in how our leaders, ministers, and policymakers shape agendas, it urgently needs a collective focus on major policy issues which are of shared concern and importance across the nations and regions.
What the report does
The strength to cooperate brings together the results of recent cross-nation polling, engagement with policymakers and civic leaders, and analysis of intergovernmental relations in the UK and internationally.
Drawing on this evidence, the report identifies priority policy areas where greater collaboration would deliver tangible benefits across all administrations.
Our objectives
We have set out recommended issues of shared strategic interest, which would be at the heart of intergovernmental relations for the next period, are that:
It gives the UK’s system of intergovernmental relations a renewed focus – on common and collective interests.
It helps demonstrate to the public that the UK’s leaders and authorities are willing to work together for the common good.
It provides the opportunity for co-ordinated action and shared programmes where appropriate.
It allows for greater policy learning and mutual understanding across the diverse politics of our governing authorities.
It helps ensure that policy officials across our governments are given the authority to work in partnership across territorial, sector, and jurisdictional boundaries.
Dewi Knight, PolicyWISE Director said
“With an even more complex and competitive political landscape following the May 2026 elections, better co-operation must be a priority to reduce the cost of living, reform public services and grow the economy. The different governments and authorities across the UK – no matter their constitutional and political perspectives – should recognise that to achieve many of their core objectives, they need to work with others.
“There is now a window of opportunity, with our new parliaments and governments in Scotland and Wales. We share these potential issues of shared interest as a constructive contribution to a new spirit of collaborative governance across our nations and regions.”
PolicyWISE exists to improve policymaking across administrations, informed by cross-nation co-operation, research, and analysis. Our case is a simple one: by working together on issues of shared interest and importance, our governments can develop and deliver better policies for all citizens.
Work with us
We are open to wok with colleagues across government, academia and the civic sector to support the practical application of collaborative governance and cross‑nation working.
Get in touch via email, LinkedIn, or through our website to continue the conversation.
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Our funder
The Open University has been awarded £1m in funding from Dangoor Education to establish and run PolicyWISE. The funding has supported the launch of PolicyWISE in 2023 and our development over the following four years.
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