We are aware of the challenges and potential complexities associated with knowledge and technology transfer between partners institutions. In order to create a suitable and fruitful collaboration among universities and the productive sector seems to be important to analyze and understand how knowledge could be translated between organizations.
Based on that idea, here we highlight a collection of concepts and definition of “knowledge translation“ which provide useful clues of how to move knowledge into action, particularly within the Atlantic Area partnership.
The information provided has been taken from a report elaborated by P. Sudsawad (2007) quoted at the bottom.
Definitions of
Knowledge Translation
- “The exchange, synthesis and
ethically-sound application of knowledge—within 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” (CIHR,
2005).
- Incorporation of evidence-based
information into the practices.
- Application of knowledge by relevant
stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation.
- Encompasses all steps between the
creation of new knowledge and its application to yield beneficial outcomes.
- Bringing users and creators of
knowledge together during all stages of the research cycle
- Includes knowledge dissemination,
communication, technology transfer, ethical context, knowledge management,
knowledge utilization, two-way exchange between researchers and those who apply
knowledge, implementation research, technology assessment, synthesis of results
with the global context, and development of consensus guidelines.
- Interdisciplinary and non linear
process focused on moving knowledge to use.
- A process of moving what we learned
through research to the actual applications of such knowledge in a variety of
practice.
- Appears
to coincide with the growing engagement in the evidence-based practice (EBP)
approach.
- The
Knowledge-to-Action Process Framework: The action
cycle often starts with an individual or group identifying the problem
or issue, as well as the knowledge relevant to solving it. Included in this
phase is the appraisal of the knowledge itself in terms of its validity and
usefulness for the
- problem
or issue at hand. The knowledge then is adapted to fit the local context.
The next step is to assess the barriers and facilitators related to the
knowledge to be adopted, the potential adopters, and the context or setting in
which the knowledge is to be used. This information is then used to develop and
execute the plan and strategies to facilitate and promote awareness and
implementation of the knowledge. Once the plan is developed and executed,
the next stage is to monitor knowledge use or application according to
types of knowledge use identified (conceptual use, involving changes in levels
of knowledge, understanding, or attitudes; instrumental use, involving changes
in behaviour or practice; or strategic use, involving the manipulation of
knowledge to attain specific power or profit goals).
