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Objectives: The aim of this study is (1) to gain insight into current multi-sector policy initiatives that contribute to activity-friendly environments for children in four Dutch municipalities, (2) to investigate the role of multi-sector collaboration in multi-sector policy action and (3) to gain insight into critical facilitators and possible challenges for multi-sector policy action aimed at creating activity-friendly environments for children., Methods: A policy analysis was conducted in four Dutch municipalities by means of semi-structured interviews with 25 policy officers from different policy sectors. Interviews were transcribed ad verbatim and analyzed using qualitative data coding software., Results: Each policy sector carried out policy measures related to (the environmental determinants of) physical activity among children, but most respondents were not aware of the potential effectiveness of their policy measures regarding this topic. In two municipalities structural collaboration between policy sectors was present, but the number of sectors involved was limited. Awareness and support among all policy sectors, a stimulating political environment, and knowing each other and being informed about other sectors' policies were mentioned as facilitators for multi-sector policy action. The main challenge for multi-sector policy action was lack of time and resources., Conclusions: This study shows that multi-sector policy action aimed at activity-friendly environments could be stimulated by raising awareness and defining problem ownership, enhancing multi-sector collaboration and paying attention to facilitators and challenges., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The collaboration between policy, practice, and research in local public health was studied in a multiple case study. The assumption is that collaboration will result in more solid evidence and higher quality standards in public health., Methods: First, collaboration barriers were studied by analysing the work cycles of the three domains, which are considered to operate as niches. Actors at the administrative, institutional, and individual levels were identified. Theories that describe processes of the convergence of the three niches through practical strategies were sought. Finally, the application of the practical strategies in six cases was evaluated., Results: When administrative, institutional, and individual changes develop in a similar fashion and in parallel with each other, the likelihood of successful collaboration that goes beyond the initial period is greater. The findings suggest that organisational development (OD) strategies that address collaboration at the institutional level make a relatively strong contribution., Conclusions: Top level consultations just after local elections, investments in OD strategies and a new kind of accountability in public health are recommended. The assumption that successful collaboration contributes to enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, and efficacy of public health could not yet be unequivocally confirmed.