Calls for “more collaboration” have become increasingly common in research and public policy debates. Organizations are encouraged to work across boundaries to address complex societal challenges. But how effective is this collaboration in practice? And how should it be organized to ensure real capacity for action in times of crisis?

This seminar presents a case study of Samverkan Stockholmsregionen (SSR), a regional collaboration network in Stockholm County, which recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary. What began as a loosely organized collaboration has developed into a stable regional preparedness network. Today, SSR brings together 37 public organizations in Stockholm County and is coordinated by a dedicated secretariat of six employees. Members describe the organization as effective, characterized by trust and strong operational capacity.

The study, conducted by Elsa Persson and Susanna Alexius, is based on document analysis and interviews with representatives from both the secretariat and member organizations. The researchers analyze the material in light of previous research on crisis preparedness and so-called meta-organizations - organizations whose members are other organizations.

The seminar highlights key findings, including:

• How clear structures and regular weekly meetings prepare member organizations for crises
• The role of a homogeneous membership base of public actors in building trust
• The importance of shared resources that enable a professional secretariat to balance member interests while maintaining urgency
• Future challenges as SSR broadens its mandate to include more long-term and low-intensity crises

The researchers also raise critical questions about expanding collaboration too widely. Can too many priorities create fragmentation? How can organizations avoid overlap, responsibility gaps, or excessive administrative burden - particularly for smaller member organizations?

Participants are invited to reflect on SSR's role in Sweden’s evolving preparedness landscape. How should collaboration be organized going forward to strengthen crisis readiness while maintaining clarity, accountability, and action?

Panelists

Mikael Dahl
Head of Unit, Räddningscentral Mitt – Development, Storstockholms brandförsvar

Kerstin Hägg
Collaboration Coordinator, Samordningskansliet

Sebastian Tabrizzi
Head of Unit, Säkerhetsskydd- och informationssäkerhetsenheten, Stockholms stad