Effective Knowledge Exchange – An Introduction
Research evidence has the potential to inform policy and practice decisions to ensure better outcomes for children, young people and communities - yet often the impact of research is not maximised. This web article aims to provide brief, to the point information on how to increase the likelihood of your research making a difference. We will cover the following areas:
What is knowledge exchange?
First things first – what do we actually mean by knowledge exchange? There is growing evidence that the successful uptake of research knowledge requires more than one way communication. Pushing research messages from research producers to the users of research is not enough - but genuine interaction is needed amongst researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders. This interaction is known as Knowledge Exchange. (Lavis et al. 2003)
The diagram below illustrates how collaboration between stakeholders must be central to the academic research cycle.
Barriers to effective knowledge exchange
The barriers to knowledge exchange in an academic setting are well recognised as a result of dozens of studies. Factors can be classified on individual and organisational levels and relate to relationships between researchers and decision makers, modes of communication, timing around access to results, and context.
In Norway researchers systematically reviewed twenty-four surveys of the facilitators and barriers to the use of research evidence by health policymakers. They found that the most important factors for improving the impact of research findings were based on relationships, the quality of relationships and the trust developed between the researchers and policy makers and advisors. Mistrust, as such can be noted as a barrier to the uptake of research (Innvaer et al 2002, Choi et al. 2005). Interestingly, traditional university incentive systems have also has been noted as a barrier- including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and acquiring grants for academic outputs, as these systems can often be opposed to the needs of potential research users. This system also often fails to pin point whose responsibility is it to disseminate knowledge, and how effort will be recognised and funded. (Mitton et al. 2007)
Effective knowledge exchange enablers
In 2007 a major review and synthesis of the literature on knowledge exchange and transfer was completed to examine and summarise the current evidence base for effective knowledge exchange. The paper discusses a number key strategies including:
· Face to face exchange between researchers and research users
· Carrying out educational information sessions with research users such as interactive multidisciplinary workshops
· Setting up networks and communities of practice
· Facilitated meetings between research users and researchers
· Web based information and electronic communication
· Stakeholder involvement in steering committees for projects.
(Mitton et al. 2007).
Setting up a framework to support your knowledge exchange process is also important. This can include; developing key messages, targeting the right audiences, choosing the best messenger, and setting up evaluation systems (Lavis et al. 2003b).
However while reviewing the current literature on effective knowledge exchange, it seems that some strategies are more effective than others. The review by Mitton et al. concludes also that engaging actively and progressively with policy makers and advisors is the best way to ensure your expertise and knowledge generated contributes to improve policies and services. This can be achieved in a number of ways.
Active engagement with policy makers
Presenting result in an interesting way is very important when engaging with policy makers. Even if the results are ground breaking and high quality, they will have little impact if not presented in an appropriate way for an official, with little time on their hands, to read lengthy document. It is important to make your information concise and relevant.
Here are some further tips on how best to engage with policy makers and policy advisors:
- Tailor information to relevant officials and their work.
- Provide facts and figures and explain information in narrative form. Data should be put it into English that people can understand.
- Present useable information and relevant information.
- Case studies are a great way to illustrate a point and give an understanding of the issue. Use stories to demonstrate the impact your work is having in the community you are working in. You could also bring a local person when meeting policy makers so that they can explain the impact it has had on them.
- Make the target population clear so that the relevance of the information can be distinguished.
- Explain the positive impact the work will have. Be sure to mention any knock-on benefits which provide more bang for buck.
- Always include a contact name and number to get further information/clarification.
(How to use evidence to influence policy, a presentation by Dr Denis Naughton, CES, December 2012)
Finally making sure that policy makers are involved in the planning and design stages of a research project ensure joint ownership in the research and its impact.
We hope this information is useful and directly applicable to you and your organisation’s work outputs. If you would like any further information contact kmorris@effectiveservices.org In addition, here is a list of further reading and listening around the topic.
Further reading and podcasts here:
· Mitton, C. et al. (2007) Knowledge Transfer and Exchange: Review and Synthesis of the Literature. Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-0009.2007.00506.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=
· Nutley. S, (2003) From Knowing to Doing. A Framework for Understanding the Evidence-into-Practice Agenda.
Link to access abstract: http://evi.sagepub.com/content/9/2/125.abstract
Link: http://adventuresincareerdevelopment.posterous.com/presentation-to-the-ontario-knowledge-transfe
· Canadian Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Community of Practice
Closing the Loop between Theory and Practice
· Lavis, J., S. Ross, C. McLeod, and A. Gildiner (2003). Measuring the Impact of Health Research. Journal of Health Services Research andPolicy 8:165–70.
· Social Media Guide for Researchers February, 2011
· Meaghar, L., Lyall C and Nutley S, (2008) Flows of knowledge, expertise and influence: a method for assessing policy and practice impacts from social science research Laura Meagher
Research Evaluation, 17(3), September 2008, pages 163–173
Podcasts
· CES Podcast series. Podcast with Leah Bromfield, Deputy Director, Australian Centre Child Protection, Australia
· Canadian Council on Learning- Knowledge Exchange Podcast. This podcast series is a product supported by the– Canada’s leading organization committed to improving learning across Canada and in all walks of life.
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Exploring Outcomes in Youth Work and Related Provision
Date: 24 July, 2012
Location: Main Conference Hall, Dublin Castle