Institutionalizing cross-sectoral linkages: The ‘Sectoral Corridor’ approach for strengthening social economy ecosystems

Abstract

Governments, private enterprises, civil society organizations and social economy (SE) actors increasingly recognize the importance of structured cross-sector partnerships. While existing tri-sector and collaborative governance frameworks have advanced our understanding of cross-sector relationships, they tend to focus primarily on actor interactions and governance arrangements. This study proposes the “Sectoral Corridor” framework as a heuristic lens for examining how policy programmes can structure and support connections between sectors. Drawing on the island biogeography metaphor to organize and interpret public policy instruments that structure cross-sectoral relationships involving the SE, this study analyses the sectoral relationship between the SE and other sectors and develops the analytical framework of the Sectoral Corridor public policy to examine government interventions aimed at institutionalizing and sustaining cross-sectoral collaboration between the SE and other sectors. The research shifts the focus from temporary, project-based partnerships to policy-driven, long-term intersectoral relationships. It highlights how Sectoral Corridor policies function as bridges that embed the SE into broader social, economic and policy frameworks, thereby promoting sustainability.