Introduction

The appeal of services integration has never been greater. Facing a delivery environment in human and social services that is growing ever more complex, public sector leaders around the world are embracing integrated delivery models to achieve both better outcomes for citizens
and operating efficiencies.

However, integration is no easy task. It takes time to implement, and its forms are continually evolving in response to emergent technologies, funding mechanisms, and governance models. For policy makers and practitioners, there is considerable value in understanding the current nature and future trajectory of the wider integration agenda. Governments need to learn from each other. By sharing leading practices and key insights, this report serves to facilitate
and strengthen this dialogue.

The Integration Imperative presents the results of a global survey undertaken to review active integration schemes across 22 jurisdictions. We spoke directly to the government leaders spearheading these initiatives as well as a number of thought leaders.

Drawing upon their valuable experience, this report examines the characteristics of current integration initiatives: the main drivers, types of integration, key enablers, and conditions necessary for reforms to succeed. It also identifies where the integration agenda is heading: the key trends in the trajectory of integrated services provision (client pathways, focus on outcomes, inter-governmental integration, inter-sectoral integration, and place-based integration), the lessons offered by early movers, and the implications of these trends for governments, clients, and providers from the private and not-for-profit sectors.