Interdisciplinarity as a Strategy for Solving Complex Problems in the Context of Public Policy

Abstract

The growing complexity of contemporary challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and structural inequalities reveals the insufficiency of isolated disciplinary approaches in the field of public policy. This article presents an integrative review of scientific literature published between 2015 and 2025, investigating the role of interdisciplinarity as a strategy for addressing “wicked problems,” as defined by Rittel and Webber1 (1973). The methodology follows Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) integrative review protocol, based on articles retrieved from PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus and the CAPES Portal. The results show that interdisciplinarity plays a decisive role across policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, especially in areas such as health, education, environment and social policy. The main barriers identified include epistemological obstacles, communication difficulties, institutional fragmentation and financial constraints. The potentialities highlighted include the development of innovative solutions, greater public legitimacy and enhanced governmental adaptability. The study concludes that interdisciplinarity should not be considered an optional feature, but an essential condition for effective governance in the twenty-first century.