Knowledge Management

Knowledge transfer is basically about the exchange of ideas, skills, experiences, and research results among universities, research organizations, government, businesses, the public sector, and the rest of the community. The goal is to develop innovative products, policies and services. There are many ways by which a knowledge transfer can be accomplished. The list includes media relations, seminars, partnerships, placements, and many others.

A knowledge transfer is by essence a two-way process. It works much like a conversation. Each end of the channel gives out and receives information, usually in the form of experiences and ideas. A knowledge transfer can be as simple as exchanging a few remarks with a researcher sitting beside you at a seminar.

The idea is that by engaging researchers and research users into some sort of a dialogue, we create an environment conducive to a more effective use of research results, as applied in practice and policies.

To make a knowledge transfer effective, you must already think about having one even before you have started your research. Get your knowledge transfer objectives in place. Your objectives may be to influence certain organizations to adopt a policy influenced by your research. You might want to work with a partner on your research to better attain your goals. This is a good way of ensuring that your research has practical implications.

Now that you have your knowledge transfer objectives in place, you can start working on a detailed plan of the activities you will be undertaking. For an effective planning, you must first think of your target individuals, groups or organizations. Don't only think of who you would like to include in your list but those who may want to be included as well. The key people and organizations from the private sector, government, the NGOs, or the media are good targets. These people are important opinion formers, policy-makers, and influencers.

As you want to cater to these people, you must put yourself at their point of perspective. Then ask yourself what benefits you could possibly get from the research. Ask yourself what could possibly capture your interest. It would help if you have some knowledge on the nature of the organizations. This way, you get a view at their organizational objectives and the possible benefits your research may contribute. You should also look into possible area of problems. Your research may be able to provide the solution they are looking for.

After you have figured out the possible gaps you can fill in, work on what you will be communicating. You may want to communicate your efforts to gain support, interest, or a collaborating effort on your research. You can simply explain to them what your research is about and how it may be of use to them.

Keep in mind though that all your efforts will be useless if they are delivered at a bad timing. Again, keep the nature of the organizations and their current agenda in mind. And oh, do not forget to do a little evaluation after you are through with your knowledge transfer activities. You can measure the success of your efforts through the number of people who came to your conference, on whether they took up ideas from the research result and whether the outcomes are parallel to your preset objectives.

Knowledge Management |