Table 1.

Summary of main themes by level, mapped to theoretical domains framework (13) and COM-B (14)

COM-B component	TDF Domain*	Summary of main themes
		Individual level	Organisational level	Wider/system level
Capability	Knowledge	• Variation in stakeholder knowledge of processes for collaborative R&I	• Variation in whether organisations have processes for collaborative R&I • Processes are clearer for research than innovation • Need for collaborating organisations to be protected through formal agreements, and data sharing agreements	Knowledge of processes for R&I made difficult as ICB and ICS development has meant that such processes are in flux
	Skills	• Communication and relationship building skills are necessary to bring multidisciplinary teams together for collaborative R&I • Research skills vary within organisations	• Communication and relationship building skills are necessary to bring multidisciplinary teams together for collaborative R&I • Research skills vary across organisations • Collaboration is beneficial for research skill-sharing	• Need better awareness of where research expertise is across the ICS partner organisations
Opportunity	Environmental Context and Resources		• COVID-19 - Increases in remote working increases have negatively impacted opportunities to collaborate - COVID-19 R&I (e.g., vaccine development) showed that collaborative, dynamic R&I is possible when traditional barriers are removed - Changes in research focus led to new partnerships • Importance of organisational culture to ensure that R&I is prioritised • Traditional competition around research remains dominant, highlighting a need to shift from competition to collaboration	• COVID-19 impact on the system • Pressured economic environment
Motivation	Social/ Professional Role and Identity	• Individuals do not always feel supported to encouraged to undertake joint research	• Organisations at different stages of development for research • Organisational commitment is required at board and senior leadership levels • True collaboration involved a collective responsibility and shared risk	• Need to harmonise research across participating organisations, while recognising institutional targets
	Beliefs about Capabilities		• Variation in organisational confidence for R&I • A fear of failing prevents innovation • Track record and credibility for research fosters collaboration
	Beliefs about Consequences		• Belief that collaboration is beneficial (skill-sharing, collective strength) • Imbalanced collaborations can be detrimental: - Small partners not being heard / larger organisations dominating - Larger organisations assume more workload than planned (if there is lack of engagement from smaller partners) - Unequitable allocation of finances • Need agreements around workload and have common aims	• Belief that collaboration is necessary: - to cover the R&I needs of a large and diverse ICS geography - as services are integrating across partner organisations, so must R&I
	Goals	• Individuals lack time for innovative activities to facilitate goal of increasing collaborative research	• To build R&I representation at organisational board-level • To undertake more collaborative research	• Specific actions to achieve goals include: - A shared framework for R&I across ICS partner organisations - Having a shared directory - Running webinars and events to foster partnership - Having have shared roles to increase capacity and address skill needs
	Optimism	• Pessimism about lack of capacity for research when it is not a core part of individual’s job roles	• Optimism regarding the benefits of collaborative R&I through: - Shared risks - Stronger study teams • Pessimism about: - The integrity of collaborations and trust for sharing of ideas (i.e., competitive culture remains)	• Optimism about a prominent role for R&I in the ICS • Optimism regarding the benefits of collaborative R&I through: - Attracting larger studies to the region - Collective expertise and strength - Allowing higher quality research and more innovation - Lead to better services/care and patient outcomes

*Domains not included as not relevant to the data: Reinforcement; Intentions; Memory, Attention and Decision Processes; Social influences; Emotion; Behavioural Regulation