Knowledge+Mobilization

=Knowledge Mobilization=

Proposed definition:
Knowledge mobilization involves making knowledge readily accessible – and thereby useful to any number of individuals and groups in society – by developing ways in which groups can work together collaboratively to produce and share knowledge. The term has been in use for decades – often in counter position to knowledge management, which usually involves developing systems for managing how expert and strategic knowledge is to be organized and transferred by corporate and governmental institutions. In the wider view, knowledge mobilization problematizes the question of what counts as knowledge in the first place --thereby opening up the possibility of validating a variety of non-normative realms of expertise, including for example, Aboriginal ways of knowing. In similar fashion, knowledge mobilization opens up the question of how different spheres of knowledge can be communicated across different spheres of discourse. For the human sciences (both humanities and social sciences) knowledge mobilization poses a number of challenges: 1. how to index and translate the knowledge produced by a variety of disciplines and fields such that it can be accessed by any number of researchers 2. how to disseminate academic research to the public at large in readily understandable language 3. how to enhance the way in which researchers can access and understand other forms of expert and lay knowledge resident in non academic organizations and cultures. **Source:** http://km.ucalgary.ca/content/view/1/1/ **Focus:** Human Sciences

**Why we chose this definition:** The depth breadth and coverage of the explanation were the prime reasons to chose this over definitions 2 and 7 which came close. July 1, 2011 media type="custom" key="9953829"

Discussion:
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 * Current Definitions (n=12)**


 * Definition 1:** Knowledge Mobilization is defined by ONF as, getting the right information to the right people in the right format at the right time, so as to influence decision-making. Knowledge Mobilization includes dissemination, knowledge transfer and knowledge translation.
 * Source:** Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation http://www.onf.org/knowledge/glossary.htm
 * Focus:** Health Care (Neurotrauma)


 * Definition 2:** Knowledge Mobilization includes the push and pull found in the multiple directional movement of data, information, and knowledge between individuals and groups for mutual benefit. Particular consideration is given to the formats best received by various audiences. It also includes mechanisms that determine current and ongoing needs, as well as the timeliness of these needs. The roles of producer and user of knowledge are interchangeable. (Example: university researchers are frequent users of other’s output, schools produce databases which are then used by university researchers). Knowledge Mobilization also includes active processes of creating linkages and exchanges between producers and users of data, information, and knowledge to engage in value-added activities. It includes a more entrepreneurial perspective than is often seen in disciplinary academic research (Example: the “final report” becomes the mid-point of the discussion) and includes awareness of opportunities, key partnerships, market conditions, technological supports, and concepts of innovation.
 * Source:** http://www.knowledgemobilization.net/
 * Focus:** Broad


 * Definition 3 :** The emerging concept of "knowledge mobilization" may therefore be more useful than knowledge management or knowledge brokering. Knowledge mobilization addresses how external knowledge (outside of the organization) is sought out and combined with internal knowledge to create new knowledge that meets the needs of target users/clients. Knowledge mobilization emphasizes purpose (meeting the needs of clients) and looks to how one brings in the knowledge of others. It recognizes that organizing one's own intellectual capital does not necessarily lead to innovation or change; implicit in the concept is the need for working relationships with others.
 * Source:** http://www.iisd.org/networks/coms/mobilization.asp
 * Focus:** Development

Ways and means of knowledge mobilization are many and encompass a variety of strategies including producer push, user pull, knowledge exchange and even co-production of knowledge. These strategies may be informal, in formal classroom settings, organized conferences, through the media, online and electronic means.
 * Definition 4:** Knowledge Mobilization may be defined as putting available knowledge into active service to benefit society. It may be knowledge that has been gathered through systematic study or through experience. Both the research knowledge and experiential wisdom are worth sharing to the benefit of others. It is an obligation and a right to share and to have access to beneficial knowledge. ...Knowledge Mobilization is a proactive process to ensure that knowledge, especially that created through publicly funded programs is informed by needs and reaches the intended audience.
 * Source:** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge_Mobilization
 * Focus:** Broad

**Definition 5:** Knowledge mobilization involves making knowledge readily accessible – and thereby useful to any number of individuals and groups in society – by developing ways in which groups can work together collaboratively to produce and share knowledge. The term has been in use for decades – often in counter position to knowledge management, which usually involves developing systems for managing how expert and strategic knowledge is to be organized and transferred by corporate and governmental institutions. In the wider view, knowledge mobilization problematizes the question of what counts as knowledge in the first place --thereby opening up the possibility of validating a variety of non-normative realms of expertise, including for example, Aboriginal ways of knowing. In similar fashion, knowledge mobilization opens up the question of how different spheres of knowledge can be communicated across different spheres of discourse. For the human sciences (both humanities and social sciences) knowledge mobilization poses a number of challenges: 1. how to index and translate the knowledge produced by a variety of disciplines and fields such that it can be accessed by any number of researchers 2. how to disseminate academic research to the public at large in readily understandable language 3. how to enhance the way in which researchers can access and understand other forms of expert and lay knowledge resident in non academic organizations and cultures. **Source:** http://km.ucalgary.ca/content/view/1/1/ **Focus:** Human Sciences


 * Definition 6:** SSHRC defines knowledge mobilization as “moving knowledge into active service for the broadest possible common good.” Here knowledge is understood to mean any or all of (1) findings from specific social sciences and humanities research, (2) the accumulated knowledge and experience of social sciences and humanities researchers, and (3) the accumulated knowledge and experience of stakeholders concerned with social, cultural, economic and related issues.
 * Source:** http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/knowledge_impact_e.asp
 * Focus:** Social Sciences and Humanities


 * Definition 7:** "Knowledge mobilization” (KM) is also sometimes described as dissemination, knowledge transfer and knowledge translation. I define The definition of knowledge mobilization as “is getting the right information to the right people in the right format at the right time so as to influence decision making.” For ONF,. In our mind knowledge mobilization is an inclusive concept that embraces all the other activities. ...The concepts of knowledge transfer and knowledge translation move from a unidirectional flow to a two-way flow of information to a single or multiple users. These occur at the end of the research activity or process. Knowledge mobilization, however, is ongoing throughout the research process, involving shared decision making, multiple uses and multiple audiences with a broad reach. Knowledge mobilization, then, is an inclusive concept that embraces all the elements of dissemination, knowledge transfer and knowledge translation.
 * Source:** http://www.enablelink.org/include/article.php?pid=&cid=&subid=&aid=1504
 * Focus:** Research


 * Definition 8:** The term encompasses all aspects of knowledge transfer, exchange dissemination and brokering. It is implicit that KMb emphasizes action. KMb is about two-way communication between researchers and research users as integral partners in all aspects of knowledge from pursuit to mutual benefit, the result of which is a positive impact (benefit) on society. Research users include all levels of socially organized community, government and business.
 * Source:** http://www.harriscentreforum.ca/?page_id=2
 * Focus:** Research


 * Definition 9:** "Knowledge mobilization addresses how external knowledge (outside of the organization) is sought out and combined with internal knowledge to create new knowledge that meets the needs of target users/clients." "Knowledge mobilization emphasizes purpose (meeting the needs of clients) and looks to how one brings in the knowledge of others. It recognizes that organizing one's own intellectual capital does not necessarily lead to innovation or change; implicit in the concept is the need for working relationships with others." Knowledge mobilization is closely related to a concept that is gaining currency in the medical education community, knowldge translation. Here you have a similar idea of how knowledge isn't simply 'managed' but is rather put into action some way.
 * Source:** http://halfanhour.blogspot.com/2008/05/knowledge-mobilization-and-knowledge.html
 * Focus:** Research


 * Definition 10:** Knowledge mobilization -- which involves sharing university research findings with the wider community in order to influence policy, practice and everyday life -- has become an increasingly important part of scholarship. ..."Effective mobilization of knowledge is a two-way process," Bloom said. "It's built on partnerships between those who produce new knowledge and those who can use it. This is how decisions about social issues extend beyond opinions and beliefs. This is how researchers make their knowledge count."
 * Source:** http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4811
 * Lineage:** Academia


 * Definition 11:** "Knowledge mobilization addresses how external knowledge (outside of the organization) is sought out and combined with internal knowledge to create new knowledge that meets the needs of target users/clients."
 * Source:** http://scope.lidc.sfu.ca/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=1363&parent=8219
 * Focus:** Organizations


 * Definition 12:** Knowledge Mobilization “The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada defines ‘knowledge mobilization’ as moving knowledge into active service for the broadest possible common good. Knowledge mobilization involves working collaboratively to produce and share knowledge and making that knowledge accessible and useful to society” (http://www.ucalgary.ca/mp2003/news/RIA2.pdf )
 * Source:** http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/rspe/UserFiles/File/Terms%20and%20Definitions.doc
 * Focus:** Social Sciences