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Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy
Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2025
Collaborative Policymaking: The science of working together in public administration

Improving collaboration is key to transforming public administration, enabling more efficient work and creating better policies. While collaboration is common, it can be exhausting due to endless emails, notifications, and meetings. This report draws on behavioral, cognitive, and organisational sciences to guide public servants in optimising collaboration effectively.

Organisational Transformation
Cover of Collaborative policymaking report
This report explores how public administrations can foster more effective collaboration by intentionally shaping the behaviours, routines, and mindsets of public servants. Drawing on cutting-edge insights from cognitive, behavioural, and organisational sciences, it presents a rigorous review of the key drivers of collaboration and how to leverage them. It serves as an evidence-informed compass to help public administrations harness their collaborative potential to effectively address today’s complex policy challenges. The main findings are distilled into twelve actionable principles that outline a clear vision for working together more effectively.

Access the resources:

Collaborative policymaking: the full report    

The 12 principles for better collaboration