Institutionally Embedded Professionals’ Perspectives on Knowledge Mobilization: Findings from a Developmental Evaluation

Abstract

Intentional efforts to advance the societal impacts of research are known as knowledge mobilization (KMb). Despite increasing pressure on researchers and higher education institutions (HEIs) to engage in KMb activities, capacity building in this area is constrained by a limited understanding of the role of HEIs from the perspective of embedded KMb professionals. This study presents findings from a developmental evaluation of Research Impact Canada’s efforts to build institutional capacity for KMb. Through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with KMb professionals from 15 Canadian HEIs, we share (a) approaches for how KMb professionals can thrive in institutional environments, and (b) essential questions about KMb for the higher education sector. From that basis, we discuss how there is a need for skilled KMb professionals within HEIs and a need for (inter) national research and practice collaborations.