The 5x2 Initiative for Expanding STEM Excellence in Israel: Collective Impact as a Model of Collaborative Governance

Abstract

This chapter describes the 5x2 Initiative, a collective impact initiative promoting excellence in STEM education in Israel, as a test case for collaborative governance. This Initiative was the first in Israel to implement the collective impact approach, which defines operating principles for systematic actions intended to solve complex social problems, through a unique multi-sector partnership between diverse stakeholders coming from the public sector, the private sector, and the third sector. The story of the 5X2 Initiative is presented chronologically, emphasizing the development and characteristics of the collaborative governance mechanisms within the operating components of the initiative. It emphasizes the process of building relationships and trust between actors as a central foundation in promoting collaborative governance mechanisms and in ensuring their ability to operate successfully.