Boundary spanning is defined as a leadership practice that involves mediating between groups separated by location, hierarchy or function to link internal networks with external sources of information and expertise, and encourage collaboration (Beck et al, 2012; Williams, 2002).
In PPPs, collaboration can be a very fragile process, and the use of boundary spanning can optimize connections between partner teams and organizations, fostering closer, more integrated relationships. Boundary spanning as a leadership practice can align the goals of different partners around a shared purpose to encourage mutual commitment.