Building a Knowledge Mobilization Strategy

Michael Johnny, ManagerKnowledge Mobilization Unit

York University

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Overview

1. What is Knowledge Mobilization – KMb 101

2. Building a KMb plan for a research project – strategic framework

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Definitions

1. Knowledge Mobilization

Knowledge Mobilization is about ensuring that all citizens benefit publicly from funded research. It can take many forms, but the essential objective is to allow research knowledge to flow both from within the academic world, and between academic researchers and the wider community

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Definitions

1. Knowledge Translation

Knowledge Translation (KT) is defined as a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

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Context – institutional knowledge mobilization services

Research Summaries

Research Translation Help Desk

Research Translation Help Desk

Research ForumsKM in AM

Research PartnershipsKMb InternsSocial Media

Exchange(KE)

Knowledge Mobilization

partnerships CBR

co-production

Community Based Research

Producer

Push

(KT)

User

Pull

(KT)

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Portugal Cove, NL

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KMb Partnerships throughout the Research Cycle

Evaluate

Plan

ExecuteDisseminate

ConsultationPartnershipsResearch forum

PopulationsClinical practiceIntervention studiesInternshipsResearcher exchange

Surveys, case studies, expert panelists

Wikis, blogsWeb siteTown hallTheatrePostersPolicy brief PSAPractice guidelinePopular pressSocial Marketing

public policy

professional practice

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KMb Summary

1. Acknowledge the confusion around terminology (KM, KMb, KT, KTE, KU, RU, K*

2. At the basis of KMb is the two-way exchange processes. It is all about relationships.

3. Co-production distinguishes KMb from:

– Knowledge Translation (often thought as one way push)

– Knowledge Transfer and Exchange (which does support active two-way exchange)

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So what do I think I know about KMb?

1. KMb is purposeful. It is aimed to support specific outcomes.

2. KMb is social. There is action and activity.

3. Knowledge: “The socialization of data and information”

4. Mobilization: “Is not ‘the battle’. It is making sure we have what we need for the battle.”

www.knowledgemobilization.net

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1. Knowledge Mobilization Research Planning Template

Objectives

– KMb planning for research purposes.

Deliverable

- Following these steps will help provide a comprehensive KMb plan

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Acknowledgements

Adapted by research and development from:

Dr. Melanie Barwick

The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto

and

Dr. Donna Lockett

KT ConsultantScientist Knowledge Translation Training, 2009

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KMb Research Planning Template – 13 steps

1. Identify Partners

2. Partner Engagement

3. KMb Expertise

4. Main Messages (for research projects)

5. Audiences

6. Goals

7. Methods

8. Process

9. Impact

10. Partners Role

11. Resources Required

12. Related Budget Items

13. Estimated Costs

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Step 1 – Research Partners

Researchers

Public / Consumers

Decision Makers (org, comm, govt)

Policy Makers (govt, comm)

Private Sector

Funding Body

Brokers Bits

York U Knowledge Brokers can help identify collaborators for a research project.

Leveraging the national network, we can help find research expertise from across Canada.

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Step 2 – Partner Engagement

Option A

- Initial – from conception to grave

Option B

- Early - After conception to grave

Option C

- End - Dissemination / Project End only

Option D

- Beyond the project (ongoing, extended)

Brokers Bits

What does the term ‘partner’ mean to you? Is your expectation clear and consistent with those you’re collaborating with?

Be explicit from the beginning. Meaningful engagement requires honest, respectful dialogue.

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Step 3 – KMb Expertise Needed?

Lots of options to consider:

• Researcher with KMb expertise

• Consultant with KMb expertise

• Knowledge Broker / Specialist

• Organizational KMb support

• KMb support within the partner organization

• Project Manager with KMb responsibility

Brokers Bits

So why a dedicated knowledge broker?

Sometimes, simply creating knowledge/products is not good enough.

Brokers can help move knowledge into action using an array of tools and activities, tailored to the needs of your audiences.

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Step 4 – Main Messages

What messages do you anticipate sharing?

• Briefly, what your research/project seeks to:

• You can consider this for multiple audiences

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Step 5 – KMb Audiences

What audiences will you target?

• Researchers

• Practitioners / Service Providers

• Public

• Media

• Consumers

• Decision Makers

• Policy makers

• Private Sector / Industry

• Other

Brokers Bits

This is an important element to consider.

Understanding your audience(s) will help shape the work you will do.

Not all audiences want to receive information the same way.

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Step 6 – KMb Goals

Are you seeking to:

Generate• Awareness• Interest• Practice change• Behaviour change• Policy Action

Impart• Knowledge• Tools

Inform• Research• Policy• Practice

Brokers Bits

Always consider the ethical and legal principles in your KMb efforts.

Consider goals for each audience group you’re engaging.

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Step 7 – KMb Methods

What KMb methods/activities will you use?

• Broker / KMb Specialist• Research Summaries• Website / IT• Multi stakeholder collaboration• Mass Media Campaign• Financial Intervention/Incentive• Performance Feedback• Capacity Building / Training• Peer Reviewed Publication• Conference• Social Media Tools• Others...

Brokers Bits

York has structured their activity into three streams:

People – capacity building, internships, and educational efforts

Spaces – creating space for people to meet and interact

Projects – user generated collaborative project

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Step 8 – KMb Process – when will KMb occur?

Option 1

Integrated KMb – researchers and research users will shape the research process (setting questions, methodology, tools, analysis, dissemination...)

Option 2

End of Grant KMb – KMb activities are employed once the project is completed

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Step 8 – …and can the KMb Unit at York help?

Academic Non Academic

Dissemination - Traditionally scholarly publication

- Academic conference presentation

- Web posting of outputs

- Clear language research summary

- Non-traditional forms of dissemination (such as theatre)

- Social media

Integrated - Academic collaboratorson grant

- Scholarly workshops throughout the grant

- Hosting a wiki or blog to create two-way conversation

- Workshop w/ peers to reflect on emerging research findings

- Non-academic collaborators or co-applicants on grant application

- Workshop, town hall, open house

- Hosing a wiki or blog to create two way conversation

- Participatory action / community-based research

- * This all takes time

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Step 9 – KMb Impact – behaviour, practice, policy, research

How will you evaluate impact?• Reach Indicators

• Copies Distributed• Copies Requested• # downloads, hits, visits• Media Exposure

• Usefulness Indicators• Satisfied With• Usefulness of• Changed Views• Gained Knowledge

• Use Indicators• # intend to use• # adapting the information• # using to inform policy/practice

• Partnership Indicators (#’s)

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Step 10 – Partners Roles

How will partners assist in developing, implementing or evaluating the KMb plan?

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Step 11 – Required Resources

What resources do you require?

• Human• Financial• IT• Web

• Leadership• Management• Workers• Board• Volunteer• Others

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Step 12/13 – Budget Items / Estimated Costs

Identify budget items related to your plan

• Knowledge Broker• Project Manager / KMb

Specialist• Clear Language Writer• Web development / IT• Travel• Workshops / Venue• Public Relations• Web 2.0 (social media)• Others

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‘Tools’ for building a KMb / KT Strategy

KMb Strategy Table

1. Activity (and matching audiences)

2. Outcomes (and outcome indicators)

3. Impact (and desired timelines)

Summary (paragraph or page)

- What are you going to do (objectives)

- How are you planning to do this (activities)

- Who are your audience(s)/collaborators

- What will result from this work, and how will you demonstrate it.

Michael Johnnymjohnny@yorku.cahttp://www.researchimpact.ca