# Assessing ‘connective tissue’ in public-private partnerships: a stakeholder survey on multisectoral collaboration in global health

## TL;DR

This paper explores how collaboration in public-private health partnerships can be strengthened through shared goals and trust, based on stakeholder surveys.

## Contribution

The study introduces a framework for measuring 'connective tissue' in multisectoral collaborations to improve partnership sustainability.

## Key findings

- Shared objectives and overlapping activities facilitate effective collaboration in multisectoral partnerships.
- Resource constraints were identified as a major barrier to successful collaboration.
- Measuring connective tissue provides insights into the dynamic outcomes of multisectoral health initiatives.

## Abstract

Public-private partnerships have the potential to advance solutions to complex dilemmas such as the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Knowledge creation, trust, and social capital among partners – encapsulated in the term “connective tissue” – are key considerations for the cohesion and sustainability of multisectoral collaborative efforts in global health.

A survey was conducted with 23 stakeholders of projects in four countries supported by Access Accelerated, a collective of biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies. The survey elicited perspectives on the factors that strengthen collaboration and develop knowledge creation, trust, and social capital within the multisectoral partner network.

Survey respondents related how connective tissue was cultivated through implementation of multiple projects with shared goals. Identified barriers to effective collaboration included resource constraints, while facilitators included shared objectives and overlapping activities. Qualitative responses provide deeper understanding of how multisectoral collaboration contributed to the sustainability of the Access Accelerated initiative.

Measurement of connective tissue enhances understanding of project performance by addressing dynamic and previously overlooked outcomes of multisectoral collaboration. Multisectoral health initiatives can incorporate implementation science methods into measurement approaches to strengthen connective tissue among partners and stakeholders.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12992-025-01156-x.