Transcript Third Sector Research Centre – TSRC

Research into Reality
Overcoming the challenges of knowledge exchange
Foundation for the Future
Research Conference
26th – 28th January 2010, Jordan
Funded by:
Hosted by:
Razia Shariff
Head, Knowledge Exchange Team
THIRD SECTOR RESEARCH CENTRE, UK
OVERVIEW
Third Sector Research Centre Strategy
The theoretical interface between academia, the
policy maker and practitioner
The reality of knowledge exchange
Making and measuring impact
OUR STRATEGY
• To bridge gaps and build understanding between
research, decision making, policy making and
practice
• To ensure that the experience and knowledge of
policy and decision makers, practitioners and
funders informs our research
• To make knowledge available in meaningful and
accessible ways so that it can be used by policy and
decision makers, practitioners and funders
• To ensure we reach those isolated from existing
research knowledge flows
THEORETICAL INTERFACE
“Traditional linear and rational models have largely
been rejected in favour of more interactive
approaches that draw on interpretivist accounts of
the social construct of knowledge in the process of
its use” Nutley et al 2007
“Knowledge imperfect and contested, incomplete
and highly selective….Evidence viewed differently
depending on who is offering it, not in a political
vacuum….Academic knowledge selected and
transformed in the transfer process”
Evidence Based Policy Making, PMPA & NSG Nov 08
THE REALITY
Solutions to puzzles are seldom solutions to messes
Satisfiers/good enough v maximisers/best option
Decisions simultaneous, or sequential or emergent
Blinder 2006 Eastern Economic Journal
Beware the ‘policy entrepreneur’ – bridging the
world of ideas and reality – the tailored message
What about knowledge gained in the act of practice,
context specific and subjective but critical for
effective implementation of research findings
7. Identify
new areas of
research
1. Review of
Literature
Third Sector
Stakeholders
Non
academic
researchers
Academic
Researchers
2. Identify
Research
Streams
Advisory Board
6. Promote
and publicise
Media and
Publicists
Local and
national
policy
makers
TSRC
Reference Groups
Funders &
Commissioners
5. Knowledge
exchange &
feedback
Practitioners
Decision makers and policy
implementers
4. Ensure
ongoing
participation
3. Establish
engagement
mechanisms
TOOLS AND METHODS
•
•
•
•
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•
•
Website and links to other websites
Publicity Materials and e-bulletin’s
Published materials
Building contacts and expanding reach
Media and press work
Events and workshops
Monitoring, evaluation and refine approach to
ensure cover the diversity and depth of the sector
MAKING & MEASURING IMPACT
Lack of guidance available for planning and evaluating
knowledge broker interventions Robeson et al (2008)
What are the underlying intentions and purpose of
measuring impact this has implications for approach,
methods. We need indicators to link macro with micro
- Elliot Stern AcSS Research Impact Conference 09
HEFCE – Research Excellence Framework - ‘impact
element’ assess contribution to economic, social,
public policy, cultural and quality of life
MONITORING AND EVALUATING
• Conceptual Framework
Inputs, process, outputs, reach, audience, initial outcomes,
intermediate outcomes and intended long term outcomes
(based on John Hopkins Bloomberg School, 2006)
• Data Collection Methods
Routine recording of website use and downloads, user surveys,
research use through content analysis
• Other methods
In depth qualitative realistic evaluation (Pawson and Tilley 1997)
and holding impact events (based on RAPID Model)
CREATING IMPACT
Aim
To make a difference in policy,
practice & academia
• Academic Knowledge developed
• Practitioner Community able to access & use
research knowledge to enhance their work
• Economic and social impact of sector evidenced and
strengthened
• Policy, funding and decision making informed
through an accessible evidence base