WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION?
One problem in the field of knowledge and research use is the lack of agreement on basic terms and ideas. Similar to many other areas of social science, a wide variety of terms and approaches is in use. There are numerous definitions that vary across sectors and disciplines. The health sector often uses the term knowledge translation, whereas the business sector uses knowledge management, and so on. Regardless of the term, the underlying spirit is the same trying to make research matter more in policy and practice for organizational and system improvement.
DEBATE SURROUNDING KM INCLUDES...
KM is a contested concept. There is disagreement on many aspects of the issue:
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
We have created a chart of terminology most often utilized in the field including Knowledge Brokering, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Mobilization, Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Translation (KT), Knowledge Utilization, Knowledge- to-action (KTA), Dissemination, and Synthesis. Each term often has multiple definitions from different sources in the literature, along with examples of their use which demonstrate the nuances of the debate.
TERMS DEFINITIONS Knowledge Brokering “Knowledge brokering links researchers and decision makers, facilitating their interaction so that they are able to better understand each other's goals and professional culture, influence each other's work, forge new partnerships, and use research-based evidence. Brokering is ultimately about supporting evidence-based decision-making in the organization, management, and delivery of health services” Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (http://www.chsrf.ca/keys/glossary_e.php accessed Jan 18, 2008). “Some research organizations are finding success with a linking role, called a knowledge broker. Knowledge brokers mediate between researchers and user communities. Individuals serving as brokers must understand both the research process and the users’ decision-making process” (Jacobson et al., 2003). Knowledge Exchange “Knowledge exchange is collaborative problem-solving between researchers and exchange decision makers that happens through linkage and exchange. Effective knowledge exchange involves interaction between decision makers and researchers and results in mutual learning through the process of planning, producing, disseminating, and applying existing or new research in decision-making.” Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (http://www.chsrf.ca/keys/glossary_e.php accessed Jan 18, 2008). “The exchange of knowledge infers a multidirectional movement of data, information, practice, experience, and knowledge among many actors….Knowledge Exchange refers to activities that help to create and support the conditions and culture that lead to the most effective access, implementation, utilization, and evaluation of the most credible evidence for improved mental health outcomes for children and youth in Ontario” (Levesque et al, 2007). Knowledge Management “Knowledge management involves creating, securing, coordinating, combining, retrieving and distributing knowledge” (Lin et al., 2006). Knowledge Mobilization ““…moving knowledge into active service for the broadest possible common good. Here knowledge is understood to mean any or all of (1) findings from specific social sciences and humanities research, (2) the accumulated knowledge and experience of social sciences and humanities researchers, and (3) the accumulated knowledge and experience of stakeholders concerned with social, cultural, economic and related issues” (SSHRC, 2008, para 5). Knowledge Transfer “a systematic approach to capture, collect and share tacit knowledge in order for transfer it to become explicit knowledge. By doing so, this process allows for individuals and/or organizations to access and utilize essential information, which previously was known intrinsically to only one or a small group of people.” Government of Alberta (http://www.pao.gov.ab.ca/learning/knowledge/transferguide/ index.html accessed Jan 24, 2006). “as a conveyance of knowledge from one place, person, ownership, etc. to another. It involves two or more parties and there has to be a source and a destination. Generally, when something is being transferred, someone will gain it and someone else will lose it. However, knowledge, which is regarded as an intangible asset, is different from tangible assets. Tangible assets tend to depreciate in value when they are used, but knowledge grows when used and depreciates when not used” (Syed-Ikhsan & Rowland, 2004) “Successful knowledge transfer involves much more than a one way, linear diffusion of knowledge and skills from a university to industry; it depends on access to people, information and infrastructure.” UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) (http://www.pparc.ac.uk/in/aboutkt.asp accessed Jan 24, 2006). “Knowledge transfer is about transferring good ideas, research results and skills between universities, other research organisations, business and the wider community to enable innovative new products and services to be developed.” UK Office of Science and Technology (http://www.ost.gov.uk accessed Jan 24, 2006). Knowledge Translation (KT) “The exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge – within translation a complex system of interactions among researchers and users - to accelerate the capture of the benefits of research for Canadians through improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health care system.” Canadian Institutes of Health Research (http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/29418.html accessed Jan 24, 2006) “KT is a complex and multidimentional concept that demands a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms, methods, and measurements, as well as of its influencing factors at the individual and contextual levels – and the interaction between both those levels” (Sudsawad, 2007) “The collaborative and systematic review, assessment, identification, aggregation and practical application of high-quality disability and rehabilitation research by key stakeholders (i.e., consumers, researchers, practitioners, policy makers) for the purpose of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.” US National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR, www.ncddr.org) "Knowledge translation is the effective and timely incorporation of evidence-based information into the practices of health professionals in such a way as to effect optimal health care outcomes and maximize the potential of the health system." (University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Knowledge Translation Program, http://www.ktp.utoronto.ca/whatisktp/definition ) “the synthesis, exchange, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation in strengthening health systems and improving people’s health.” World Health Organization (WHO, 2005) Knowledge Utilization “The study of how individuals and teams acquire, construct, synthesize, share, and apply knowledge” (Greenhalgh et al., 2004, p. 588) Knowledge- to action (KTA) “We have divided the KTA process into two concepts: knowledge creation and action, with each concept comprised of ideal phases or categories (Figure 1). In reality, the process is complex and dynamic, and the boundaries between these two concepts and their ideal phases are fluid and permeable. The action phases may occur sequentially or simultaneously, and the knowledge phases may influence the action phases” (Graham et al., 2006). Dissemination “The spreading of knowledge or research, such as is done in scientific journals and at scientific conferences.” (http://www.nursing.ualberta.ca/kusp/rustudy2/glossary.htm accessed Jan 24. 2006) Synthesis “A synthesis is an evaluation or analysis of research evidence and expert opinion on a specific topic to aid in decision-making or help decision makers in the development of policies. It can help place the results of a single study in context by providing the overall body of research evidence. There are many forms of synthesis, ranging from very formal systematic reviews, like those carried out by the Cochrane Collaboration, to informal literature reviews. The Foundation conducts syntheses aimed at making ‘best practice’ recommendations for a specific area of management or policy development” Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (http://www.chsrf.ca/keys/glossary_e.php accessed Jan 18, 2008).