Knowledge Mobilization
What is knowledge mobilization?
Knowledge mobilization refers to a wide range of activities relating to the production and use of research results, including new knowledge synthesis, dissemination, transfer, exchange, and co-creation of knowledge by researchers and knowledge users. It differs from 'research dissemination' in the emphasis on democratization of research results in user-appropriate ways and in the recognition that not all research knowledge users are based in academia.
SSHRC Definition:
The reciprocal and complementary flow and uptake of research knowledge between researchers, knowledge brokers and knowledge users-both within and beyond academia-in such a way that may benefit users and create positive impacts within Canada and/or internationally, and, ultimately, has the potential to enhance the profile, reach and impact of social sciences and humanities research.
See SSHRC's Guidelines for Effective Knowledge Mobilization, here.
In April 2016, SSHRC used the Knowledge Synthesis grants as opportunities to showcase knowledge mobilization and it's importance to ensuring publicly-funded research results are accessible to a broad audience, including decision-makers. You can read more about that, and find examples, here.
Creating Effective Knowledge Mobilization Plans
Knowledge mobilization initiatives must address at least one of the following, as appropriate, depending on research area and project objectives, context, and target audience.
Within academia, knowledge mobilization initiatives inform, advance and/or improve:
- research agendas;
- theory and/or
- methods
Beyond academia, knowledge mobilization initiatives inform
- public debate;
- policies; and/or
- practices;
Knowledge mobilization initiatives enhance and/or improve services, inform the decisions and/or processes of people in business, government, the media, practitioner communities and civil society.
Doing this requires a plan.
How to craft a good Knowledge Mobilization plan?
Dr. Gordon Gow, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Communication and Technology, Faculty of Extension, recipient of a McCalla professorship and a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant based on knowledge mobilization, offers concrete strategies, advice on knowledge mobilization planning and execution, and insights into how the knowledge mobilization plan is evaluated from a SSHRC committee reviewer`s perspective, in these recorded workshop sessions held on June 12, 2013:
Dr. Gow's Presentation (handout)
Dr. Gow's successful Partnership Development grant: Partnership development to explore innovative uses of low cost communication technology for knowledge mobilization in agricultural communities of practice [proprietary to uAlberta. CCID login required].
Readings about Knowledge Mobilization
Articles and Reports
A Report Detailing the Development of a University-Based Knowledge Mobilization Unit that Enhances Research Outreach and Engagement (Phipps, 2011) Published in Scholarly and Research Communication, this article shares strategies employed by York University's Knowledge Mobilization Unit, the first KMb university-based unit in Canada.
A Synopsis of Trends in Knowledge Management (Creech, 2005) Published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, this report shares how organizations are approaching knowledge management: convergence of public and private sector; active engagement of knowledge users; emphasis on influence of knowledge; importance of social capital and use of networks in KM; growth of "Open Source" communication; shift to postmodern KM whereby boundaries between stakeholders are porous and modalities are explored; transformation into learning organizations.
CFICE's (Community-First: Impacts of Community Engagement) Knowledge Mobilization Hub
"Questing Your Way to a Knowledge Mobilization Strategy" (Briggs et al, 2015)
"Thinking about Knowledge Mobilization: A Discussion Paper Prepared at the Request of the Canadian Council on Learning and the Social Sciences" (Levin, 2008)
Success Factors in Knowledge Management (Creech, 2005) Published by International Institute for Sustainable Development, this report outlines criteria for evaluating knowledge mobilization efforts and plans.
"To Know is Not Enough: Research Knowledge and Its Use" (Levin, 2013) Article explores knowledge production, creation and use.
Books
Knowledge Mobilization in the Social Sciences and Humanities: Moving from Research to Action (Bennet & Bennett, 2007)
Knowledge Mobilization and Educational Research (Fenwick & Farrell (Ed.), 2012)