Williams, A., Holden, B., Krebs, P., Muhajarine, N., Waygood, K.,Randall, J. & Spence, C. (2008). Knowledge Translation Strategies in a Community–University Partnership: Examining Local Quality of Life (QoL). Social Indicators Research, 85(1), 111-125.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: The authors describe four knowledge translation strategies that were applied in a community-based research project focused on impacting policy directives that influenced community quality of life: engagement of local media, implementing community policy forums, including a steering committee, and including a policy entrepreneur in the project team.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Community, Government, University

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Policy Makers, Researchers

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model

• The inclusion of a policy entrepreneur on a research project can enhance: policy-related research focus, policy stakeholder understanding of the project and engagement in related activities, and the relevance, transferability and use of research findings by policy stakeholders.
  Project-based learnings.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, Step 3.1, Step 2.2, Step 1.1

• A research project steering committee with equal representation from the research organization and key stakeholders can help with the creation of a project vision, deliberation strategies, and promotional activities. Together, members commit to a goal established by the committee and coordinate action in the direction of that goal.
  Project-based learnings.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3, KTA Stage 1, Step 3.1, Step 4.1, Step 1.3

• Independent research project advisory boards, with equal representation from community and academic institutions, can help to draw out relevant policy and practice implications of research findings.
  Project-based learnings.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 3.7, KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3, Step 3.1, Step 4.1, Step 1.3

• Annual community forums can be an effective way to engage a community. Forums can be targeted at prioritizing research actions or on knowledge transfer related to research results. Common objectives are to facilitate mutual learning and collaboration among research and community members and to improve research outcomes and the dissemination of research findings by providing knowledge transfer around the policy and research process to the community. Typically, forums are conducted from half to a full day and include 80–100 research knowledge producers and users. (Birdsell [2002]; Dunnett [2004]; Williams [2005])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.D, KTA Step 2.D, KTA Step 3.D, Step 3.1, Step 2.2, Step 1.1
  
  
• Involving the community (knowledge producers and users) in the research process and dissemination strategies can build accountability of the research organization as part of the community, and can help to solidify the link between researcher and community. (Dunnett [2004])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• A research project-based policy entrepreneur can be a central force for coordinating and promoting collective policy learning. [Stone (2001a])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B, Step 3.1

• Participation of research project-based policy entrepreneurs in public policy networks can strengthen the linkages and exchanges between researchers and policy makers.They provide awareness of research and initiatives and facilitate social learning. (Reinicke [1999, 2000]; Kingdon [1984])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B, KTA Step 1.E, KTA Step 2.E, KTA Step 3.E, KTA Step 1.F, KTA Step 2.F, KTA Step 3.F, Step 3.1, Step 1.3

• Bringing together representatives from all sectors in a common space like a community forum can accelerate shared learning of practical experience and research findings, and the generation of new research questions and applications. [Williams (2005])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• Mass dissemination through the local media can be critical to ensuring that beneficial development takes place. The more people that are aware of the research, the greater the likelihood that the findings and their implications will be discussed, and the better the interest and support for the practical applications of the results. Engaging the media can be a key factor. For research to have the desired impact on social consciousness and policy directives, research dissemination strategies should target both decision makers, as well as the general public. [Miller (1999])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B, Step 3.1

• Meaningful dialogue amongst community forum participants (knowledge producers and users) can enable communities and organizations to gain greater control over the direction of policy initiatives that apply to the community, in turn contributing to appropriate engagement and participation strategies. Engaging the community through community forums can be an integral part of their contribution and participation in the direction for change, sending the clear message that community involvement is essential for successful outcomes. This approach has been shown to encourage active citizenship, strengthen communities, and facilitate partnerships in the innovation and delivery of public services.Research findings can be a learning tool for the community. [Stoker (2004])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Stage 1, KTA Stage 2, KTA Stage 3

• Partnering with local media providers can allow research to be tailored to meet the needs and address the concerns of the local audience. Public and political perceptions of the value and creditability of research can be higher if it is local in context and is provided by local experts who have a commitment to sustained involvement and good communication practices, which in turn can create a higher degree of trust in research findings. Using well-established and credible messengers, such as local media, not only facilitates wider dissemination, but can also reinforce the importance of working with the community, as well as target audiences, in all stages of the knowledge transfer process. (Cooke [1995]; Maskell [1999]; Tyden [2000])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: KTA Step 1.A, KTA Step 2.A, KTA Step 3.A, KTA Step 1.B, KTA Step 2.B, KTA Step 3.B, Step 3.1