Complex social problems, such as poverty, climate change, health inequities, or ethnic conflicts, are characterized by their multidimensional, dynamic, and wicked nature. They involve multiple stakeholders with diverse interests, values, and perspectives, and require coordinated actions across different sectors, levels, and domains. Collaborative governance is an emerging mode of governance that aims to tackle complex social problems through inclusive, deliberative, and integrative processes of collective decision-making and action. This article provides a comprehensive and critical review of the literature on collaborative governance and its application to complex social problems. The article presents a conceptual framework of collaborative governance that synthesizes the key elements, dimensions, and phases of collaborative governance processes and outcomes. The article also discusses the drivers and barriers of collaborative governance that influence the initiation, development, and sustainability of collaborative governance arrangements. The article further examines the impacts and implications of collaborative governance for addressing complex social problems at different levels and domains. The article finally identifies the gaps and challenges in the current research and practice of collaborative governance and suggests some directions for future inquiry and innovation.

Building Bridges, Governance, Complex Social Problems