A knowledge broker is an intermediary (organization or person), which aims to develop relationships and networks with, between, and between producers and users of knowledge by providing relationships, knowledge resources, and in some cases that knowledge (eg technical knowledge, market insight, research evidence) to the organization in its network.
While the precise roles and functions of knowledge brokers are conceptualized and operated differently across sectors and settings, key features seem to be facilitating knowledge exchange or sharing between and among various stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Knowledge brokers can operate in various markets and technology domains. The concept of knowledge brokers is closely related to the concept of knowledge spillovers.
In the field of public health, applied health services research, and social sciences, knowledge brokers are often referred to as bridges or intermediaries linking evidence-testing producers with users of research evidence as a means of facilitating collaboration to identify problems, solve problems, and promote informed decision-making (EIDM ), which is a critical assessment process and incorporates the best available research evidence, along with evidence from other sources into policy and practice decisions. Using knowledge brokers to facilitate knowledge exchange and adoption of insights is one of the strategies in the broader field of Knowledge Management.
Video Knowledge broker
Function
Knowledge brokers facilitate the transfer and exchange of knowledge from which it abounds where it is needed, thereby promoting joint development and enhancing the innovative capabilities of organizations within their networks. In the field of public health, knowledge brokers facilitate the proper use of the best research evidence available in the decision-making process, increasing the capacity of individuals and organizations to participate effectively in informed decision-making. In this arrangement, knowledge brokers promote the use of research.
Knowledge brokers usually engage in the following activities below:
- Assess obstacles and establish access to knowledge (i.e. filtering and recognizing valuable knowledge across organizations and industries)
- Learning (eg internalization experience from multiple perspectives including industry, technology, or health disciplines)
- Linking separate sets of knowledge (eg through joint research, consulting services, and developing a shared understanding of goals and culture
- Support the development of knowledge and skills
- Facilitate the development of individual/organizational capacity for knowledge use (eg, assessing current knowledge use, absorptive capacity and receptive capacity, and readiness for change)
- Applying knowledge in new settings (eg combining existing knowledge in new ways)
Maps Knowledge broker
Expertise
Knowledge brokers provide a link between producers and users of knowledge. To facilitate this exchange of knowledge, knowledge brokers are required to build relationships with their target audience and establish new connections across domains.
Research on effective knowledge brokers, conducted by University of Oxford researchers, found that leadership commitment is the key to mobilizing research across organizational boundaries and instilling it in practice. In a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Health Research, the study found three variations of knowledge leadership, from transposing, adapt and competing academically.
A successful knowledge broker will have:
- Expertise in synthesizing and adapting information for use in different local contexts
- Non-judgmental and respectful attitude
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills
- Understanding of the context, processes, and main effects of producers and users of knowledge
- Critical thinking skills
- Critical reflection ability and practice
- Strategic planning skills and experience
- Understanding of adult education principles and practice
Sample knowledge broker
Any individual or organization, which has access to the knowledge of some unrelated entity, can theoretically act as a knowledge broker. Certain types of organizations have been identified to act primarily as knowledge brokers:
- Knowledge brokers
(ie ESADE Creapolis, IMCG, and Sociedade Portuguesa de InovaÃÆ'§ÃÆ' £ o)
- venture capitalists
- Consultant company
- Supporting organizations of informed decision-making (eg, Health Proof TM , which offers specialized knowledge brokers to guide or facilitate informed decision-making at public health organizations, and National Collaborating Center for Methods and Tool, which has knowledge brokers that facilitate Community Health Practices
The climate change knowledge broker initiative
A project funded by Climate & amp; The Development Knowledge Network aims to integrate climate change information sources and adjust data into relevant information products. Access to reliable information and data, and the ability to share lessons and experiences, are considered key ingredients in tackling climate change, especially in developing countries. However, although many websites, portals, and online platforms have been prepared to provide such information, the 'knowledge infrastructure' in the climate and development sectors remains weak. The project aims to fill some gaps and provide a bridge between separate initiatives.
A study by IISD investigates the value of knowledge brokers within the scope of climate change. Interviews and surveys were conducted with over 200 users of online climate change information to understand their needs, preferences, and behaviors. The findings are published in a paper "User-oriented analysis of an online knowledge intermediary platform for climate change and development". This publication identifies a potential area for innovation in online knowledge browsing and highlights the need to take on climate knowledge beyond its online function.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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