1 + 1 = 3: How Practitioners Can Synergize Resilience Across Health and Beyond.

Abstract

Despite growing recognition of the interdependencies of resilience across systems, sectors, and levels (SSLs), translating this understanding into coordinated action remains a challenge. This study identifies seven systemic gaps that reinforce a persistent know–do gap, creating an unhealthy milieu intérieur that reinforces fragmentation across SSLs. In response, seven prerequisites for synergizing resilience are proposed, along with a working definition of Synergistic Resilience.To operationalize this concept, the Synergistic Resilience Compass (SRC) is introduced—a structured, adaptable, and practitioner-focused framework. A Seven-Step Rollout is proposed to guide implementation across diverse contexts, while illustrating SRC’s utility through case vignettes.Benefits, along with practice and research implications of SRC, are discussed through potential use case examples, balancing constructivism and pragmatism. Limitations and future directions, including iterative refinement, toolkit development, and creating a community of practice, are highlighted. The SRC provides a framework for synergizing resilience across SSLs where 1+1 becomes 3.