Cross Sector Partnership Dark Side Effects Game (DSE Game)

Current societal challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change require solutions that go beyond unilateral actions. One promising approach has been the creation of cross-sector partnerships (CSPs), which bring together resources and expertise of public, private, and civil-society organisations. To promote this idea globally, the United Nations introduced Sustainable Development Goal 17, which stresses the need for collaboration across all sectors of society. However, are we aware of the potential negative effects that CSPs can also produce? The "CSPs Dark Side Effects Game" aims to help participants recognize and understand the harm some CSPs intentionally or unintentionally might cause. This card-based game provides them the possibility to explore the different negative societal effects that CSPs can cause, as well as the mechanisms and antecedents behind them. Developed based on a qualitative meta-analysis synthesizing empirical evidence of 47 cases, the DSE game offers a framework to understand the "what," "how," and "why" of these harmful impacts. By studying these patterns, participants can develop a more critical perspective on how CSPs attempt to address societal challenges, preparing them to think beyond the benefits and consider potential risks as well.