Abstract:
Cross-sectoral cooperation (CSC) has gained recognition as the key to achieving sustain-
able development goals within a locality. However, existing studies focused on sustainable local
development (SLD) initiatives resulting from CSC remain sparse. This article aims to review the
CSC–SLD literature, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
(PRISMA) method. Research questions were constructed using the PICOC (population, intervention,
comparison, outcomes, and context) structure. The identification of scientific works occurred through
the search of relevant keywords, which resulted in a final set of 38 peer-reviewed manuscripts, from
1994 to 2021. First, the main driving forces for adopting CSC, to achieve SLD, which are dispersed
at multiple levels, were captured and contextualised into the micro-, meso-, macro- and mega-
framework. Second, salient aspects addressed in the literature for effective CSC implementation were
identified and classified into approaches, governance, structure, key actors, psychological and social
aspects, and experiences themes. This resulted in a consolidated guiding principles framework for
implementing CSC, to pursue SLD. Additionally, the use of theories in different aspects of CSC–SLD
initiatives was discussed. This study informs the practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers the
fundamentals that need to be considered when planning, designing, and implementing effective CSC
interventions for SLD.
