Table 3 Overview of facilitators and barriers of Intersectoral Co-operation categorised in themes capability, opportunity and motivation

Facilitator subthemes

Partner-related:

Partners who are open, flexible, with long-term visions

Right knowledge and experience and able to think outside sectoral borders

A suitable person in leading or guiding position

Group-related (group processes):

Visibility: positive image, being seen as legitimate, maintaining external relations

Working on clarity on goals, roles and responsibility (from the start)

Reflecting and adjusting during co-operation

Having formal co-operation group or agreements

Physical opportunity (resources):

Having necessary funds or financing incentives

Momentum, a suitable economic, political or cultural context

Tools or online platforms to meet

Social opportunity (social influences):

Having supportive policy makers

Existing familiarity between partners, networks

Having good personal relationships between partners (with trust, personal communication, reliance)

Meeting up

Motivated partners:

Partners who are enthusiastic about co-operating

Partners who recognise a shared problem, see mutual benefits and value of co-operation

Partners who appreciate the co-operation or results

Barrier subthemes

Insufficient planning, communication and agreement from the start

Different working paces or organisational structures between co-operation partners

Physical opportunity: shortages of, or changes in budgets, time, staff

Co-operation with public administration or politicians

Stakeholders being protective of own work

Negative attitude of parties other than the co-operation partners

Future wishes subthemes

Expanding with more partners or places

Clear agreements, increased accountability and responsibility

Increased visibility and acknowledgement of initiative and co-operation

More time and structural resources for co-operation and initiative

Boost intersectoral co-operation and willingness to co-operate