What is knowledge exchange?
Knowledge exchange (Kx) is a process in which academic and non-academic partners collaborate on a research study through sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources to drive research impact.
Many terms are used in the process of moving research into action: knowledge translation, knowledge application, knowledge mobilization, implementation, research impact, etc.
We chose the term knowledge exchange because it describes the iterative process that brings together researchers and external partners to exchange ideas, evidence and expertise through the planning, production, sharing, and application of research to inform policies, practices, and public dialogue and drive positive change.
We broadly define Kx as research and related activities with social, political, environmental, economic, or cultural impacts. These impacts may occur through public dialogues, policymaking, professional practice or cultural spheres.
Why do knowledge exchange?
There is evidence that suggests that there is a nine to seventeen year lag between discover and adoption into policy or practice. This lag is due to a number of factors including a lack of knowledge about how to map and partner with knowledge users, how to go about implementing evidence and how to target knowledge users for dissemination.
Through collaborations and partnerships with knowledge users, Kx can help embed your research findings in real world context, and spread and implement research evidence widely to inform effective practices, policies and programs. If knowledge users are involved and engaged in the research process, the results will be more relevant and useful to them, increasing the uptake and utilization of the research evidence.
What does knowledge exchange look like?
Knowledge exchange covers a wide spectrum of activities, and can occur at any and/or all stages of the research process. Examples of Kx activities include (but are not limited to):