Collaborative governance towards an integrated strategy for poverty reduction and social inclusion

Abstract

In today’s pluralistic and globalised world, rapid socio-economic changes continue to add complexity to persistent issues like poverty and social exclusion, posing increasing challenges for governments in meeting citizens’ evolving needs. In response, several have shifted from monocentric governance towards more collaborative approaches. The Maltese Public Administration claims to adopt a collaborative governance approach by actively engaging both state and non-state stakeholders throughout the policymaking process. This method emphasises inclusive institutional design and participatory mechanisms that promote deliberation, shared ownership and collective responsibility. This study examines the institutional design and mechanisms employed by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights during the development of the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion 2025 – 2035. Through a case study approach grounded in a critical realist perspective, this research analyses collaborative dynamics using thematic categories derived from secondary data. These themes were further explored through a mixed-methods approach, combining document analysis with structured interviews to validate the findings. The study identifies the tools and practices that supported collaboration, while also exploring the added value generated through this approach. Results from both data sources largely converge, though a perceived breakdown in communication following the consultation phase emerged as a key concern. The study concludes with areas for further research to assess collaborative governance across all ministries, noting the limitations of generalising from a single case.