Collaboration as strategy: Strengthening ties within and outside

In a world where working as teams, whether internally and externally, is important to ensure that targets and objectives are met successfully. In doing so, collaboration becomes central to both institutional growth and effective policy engagement.

In the space of policy, external collaboration is important because it is often complex and multi-dimensional. The collaboration of stakeholders ensures that the objectives are met clearly. Internal collaboration becomes relevant to make an impact at the grassroots levels.

For example, in a given situation, a think tank or a research organisation may develop evidence-based research when a policy needs to be introduced, while civil society organisations may reach out to communities, and the government will implement policies.

Within an organisation, it is important because it:

• Increases productivity and proficiency by streamlining processes and duplicating tasks
• Creates space to share knowledge and experiences
• Fosters trust, motivates people and encourages inclusivity
• Nurtures new ideas and helps solve problems

In external collaboration, it is important because it:

• Increases creativity through cross-sector learning
• Builds trust with stakeholders and increases the reputation of an organisation
• Develops influence to help shape policies effectively
• Amplifies messages when jointly collaborating with media for the wider dissemination of information

Advantages of collaboration in policymaking

By collaborating, it becomes important that there is inclusiveness, sustainability and wide acceptance, which makes a policy effective. Some of the key advantages include:

• Decisions are meaningful since they are backed by evidence
• Increases public trust since transparency plays a pivotal role
• Helps in long-term policy planning by strengthening the capacity of people and institutions
• Encourages ownership and accountability by engaging all stakeholders
• Nurtures problem-solving and encourages innovation

Disadvantages of collaboration in policymaking

Often, some barriers like not having trust, no clear frameworks, no accountability and ineffective communication channels become challenging. They broadly include:

• Working in silos where some departments are not aware of what one is doing
• Overshadowed by strong actors, creating imbalances
• Having different political ideologies and priorities gives rise to conflicts
• Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities
• Resistance to change due to the lack of knowledge
• Type of communication used, like jargon, technical and no proper or defined communication channel

Examples of successful collaborative approach in policymaking in India

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014 onwards)

Government partnered with NGOs, private companies (CSR initiatives), and communities.

Large-scale behavioural change campaigns on sanitation, lead to significant reduction in open defecation.

Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005

Civil society groups like Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), activists, and citizens worked with lawmakers.

Increased transparency and accountability, empowered citizens to hold governments accountable.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008

Advocacy by civil society organisations, academic research inputs and grassroots mobilisation.

Provided the world’s largest rights-based employment programme.

A good and viable internal collaboration in the context of policy helps in the smooth running of activities, with the pool of collective strengths. External collaborations help in a wider influence, accessibility and credibility.