A knowledge translation environmental scan: initiatives, evaluations, challenges and opportunities

Knowledge translation (KT) is the practice of sharing and applying knowledge obtained through research into practical applications that provide benefits for the larger public.

In this study, we looked at funders’ KT initiatives, how they evaluate them, and challenges and opportunities. From this, we developed strategic considerations to support funders’ KT work.

We reviewed existing published literature found in academic journals, articles outside of traditional publishing channels such as reports and led a focus group discussion with Canadian funding organizations.

Read this open access paper on the FACETS website.

We found that the literature commonly described how organizations provided funding for infrastructure to carry out KT.

Details on if and how KT activities were evaluated was not commonly described. Literature also often described KT occurring through engagement between researcher and knowledge user.

The focus group outlined the need for more resources to support KT activities, opportunities for engagement with policy/decision-makers, and evaluation of KT activities.

Summarizing the literature and focus groups, we found that funders are carrying out a range of KT activities. These usually take the form of setting priorities with stakeholder input, other stakeholder collaboration, KT capacity building, and setting KT requirements.

We provide suggestions that outline a road map for funding agencies to support KT initiatives.

Read the paper — Funding change: An environmental scan of research funders’ knowledge translation strategic plans and initiatives across 10 high-income countries/regions by Christine Fahim, Danielle Kasperavicius, Robyn Beckett, Keelia Quinn de Launay, Arthana Chandraraj, Amanda Crupi, Suvabna Theivendrampillai, and Sharon E. Straus.