Research into RealityOvercoming the challenges of knowledge exchange

Foundation for the FutureResearch Conference

26th – 28th January 2010, Jordan

Razia ShariffHead, Knowledge Exchange Team

THIRD SECTOR RESEARCH CENTRE, UK

OVERVIEW

Third Sector Research Centre Strategy

The theoretical interface between academia, the policy maker and practitioner

The reality of knowledge exchange

Making and measuring impact

OUR STRATEGY

• To bridge gaps and build understanding between research, decision making, policy making and practice

• To ensure that the experience and knowledge of policy and decision makers, practitioners and funders informs our research

• To make knowledge available in meaningful and accessible ways so that it can be used by policy and decision makers, practitioners and funders

• To ensure we reach those isolated from existing research knowledge flows

THEORETICAL INTERFACE

“Traditional linear and rational models have largely been rejected in favour of more interactive approaches that draw on interpretivist accounts of the social construct of knowledge in the process of its use” Nutley et al 2007

“Knowledge imperfect and contested, incomplete and highly selective….Evidence viewed differently depending on who is offering it, not in a political vacuum….Academic knowledge selected and transformed in the transfer process”Evidence Based Policy Making, PMPA & NSG Nov 08

THE REALITY

Solutions to puzzles are seldom solutions to messesSatisfiers/good enough v maximisers/best option Decisions simultaneous, or sequential or emergent Blinder 2006 Eastern Economic Journal

Beware the ‘policy entrepreneur’ – bridging the world of ideas and reality – the tailored message

What about knowledge gained in the act of practice, context specific and subjective but critical for effective implementation of research findings

1. Review of Literature

2. Identify Research Streams

3. Establish engagement mechanisms

4. Ensure ongoing

participation

5. Knowledge exchange &

feedback

6. Promote and publicise

7. Identify new areas of

research

Third Sector Stakeholders

Decision makers and policy implementers

Funders & Commissioners

Non academic

researchers

Academic Researchers

Practitioners

Media and Publicists

Local and national policy makers

Advisory Board

Reference Groups

TSRC

TOOLS AND METHODS

• Website and links to other websites• Publicity Materials and e-bulletin’s• Published materials• Building contacts and expanding reach• Media and press work• Events and workshops• Monitoring, evaluation and refine approach to

ensure cover the diversity and depth of the sector

MAKING & MEASURING IMPACT

Lack of guidance available for planning and evaluating knowledge broker interventions Robeson et al (2008)

What are the underlying intentions and purpose of measuring impact this has implications for approach, methods. We need indicators to link macro with micro - Elliot Stern AcSS Research Impact Conference 09

HEFCE – Research Excellence Framework - ‘impact element’ assess contribution to economic, social, public policy, cultural and quality of life

MONITORING AND EVALUATING

• Conceptual Framework Inputs, process, outputs, reach, audience, initial outcomes,

intermediate outcomes and intended long term outcomes (based on John Hopkins Bloomberg School, 2006)

• Data Collection MethodsRoutine recording of website use and downloads, user surveys,

research use through content analysis

• Other methodsIn depth qualitative realistic evaluation (Pawson and Tilley 1997)

and holding impact events (based on RAPID Model)

CREATING IMPACT

Aim To make a difference in policy, practice & academia

• Academic Knowledge developed• Practitioner Community able to access & use

research knowledge to enhance their work • Economic and social impact of sector evidenced and

strengthened• Policy, funding and decision making informed

through an accessible evidence base