Missing in action? The role of the knowledge mobilisation literature in developing knowledge mobilisation practices

Abstract

Despite a burgeoning literature and the development of new theories about knowledge mobilisation in the past fifteen years, findings from this online survey in 2014 of over 100 research agencies (n=106; response rate 57%) show the challenges of making effective use of formal and informal learning. Many agencies rely on traditional knowledge 'push' activities; formal use of theoretical models and frameworks is patchy; and knowledge-sharing between agencies and the comprehensive evaluation of knowledge mobilisation programmes are limited. Closer links between research agencies, and between these and knowledge mobilisation researchers, could enhance future knowledge mobilisation practice and theory.

How a Networked Approach to Building Capacity in Knowledge Mobilization Supports Research Impact

“…I also have a better plan of action to improve KMb practice on campus." Notwithstanding similar evidence of growth, a divide between developments in KMb theory and practice was noted (FL), echoing other recent studies of KMb in research organizations (e.g., Powell, Davies, & Nutley, 2017. Specifically, while members extolled their "greater understanding of KMb in the university setting," they were less certain about improvements in their understanding of KMb theory.…”

Facing the challenges of research‐informed knowledge mobilization: ‘Practising what we preach’?

“…The limitations of the knowledge mobilization literature—for example, the limited number of empirical studies on major models and frameworks and on approaches in use—have been widely discussed (e.g., Ferlie et al ). However, our own review of major reviews published in the period 2000–15 (Davies et al ) and our survey work with research agencies (Powell et al ) showed that there are a growing number of key principles, underpinned by research evidence and finding widespread support, that can be used to inform the development of knowledge mobilization activities.…”

“…However, our own review of major reviews published in the period 2000-15 and our survey work with research agencies (Powell et al 2016) showed that there are a growing number of key principles, underpinned by research evidence and finding widespread support, that can be used to inform the development of knowledge mobilization activities.…”

Recognizing and Transforming Knowledge Mobilization in Colleges of Education

“…Impact includes not only the context of research use but research production and, ultimately, the connections among production and use. While faculty and practitioners in the education sector already interact in various ways, the use of research outside of disciplinary communities is typically slow, intermittent, and inadequate (Powell, Davies, & Nutley, 2017). Faculty and practitioners therefore often interact only indirectly via passive, discrete, and one-way dissemination strategies such as traditional journal publications or policy briefs.…”