From knowledge transfer to knowledge sharing? Towards better links between research, policy and practice

Abstract

Why is there such a wave of interest in the processes of knowledge transfer, knowledge translation and knowledge brokering? What social and organisational problems seem to require these processes? We all believe that better knowledge, wider understanding and enhanced cooperation will generally lead to better outcomes. Achieving these broad objectives is, however, difficult. In the modern world, we suffer from the dilemma of being information rich and time poor. We are often aware that others have important insights to complement our own perspectives, but the transaction costs of access and engagement are often so high that more cooperative approaches to knowledge and action are doomed to failure. How, then, can we find economical and effective ways to broaden our knowledge and improve our capacity for joint action to tackle major issues?