Loading...
Knowledge Brokers Forum Blog
Aug 05
A conference report 'How research brokers and intermediaries support evidence-based pro-poor policy and practice' co-published by the HSRC and the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) provides an analysis of discussions and presentations that took place at the 'Locating the Power of In-between conference' in Pretoria, South Africa in July 2008. The conference was organised to shine a spotlight on the role of research brokers, knowledge and information intermediaries and info-mediaries, and the contribution they can make to supporting and enabling evidence-based pro-poor policy and practice. This report identifies key issues from the conference and presents them for further analysis, discussion and action by people undertaking intermediary work, their stakeholders and those interested in information and communication flow around pro-poor policy and practice. It draws out key points of the realities of evidence-based policy; where intermediaries fit into that context; and ideas about how intermediaries can contribute and challenge their work. In conclusion, it points to future action, in particular the need for collaboration between intermediary actors to step up to the challenges identified. The organizers hope that by starting a debate, illustrating a range of intermediary activities, forming connections between people and providing the basis for future analysis, the conference and this report will inspire action that will enable intermediaries to reach their full potential as development actors in their own right.
Aug 05

Between ourselves: the new generation of information & knowledge intermediaries  

A report from the “Intermediary workshop: summarisers, signposters and synthesisers”, May 2007. Edited by Catherine Fisher and Yaso Kunaratnam

This report explores the emergence of a “new generation” of intermediaries in the development sector.  It captures the first steps towards greater conceptual understanding of the role of intermediaries in development contexts. It identifies how intermediaries add value at different stages of the information supply chain; the common challenges that intermediaries face and the strategies for addressing them. Finally it looks to the future and outlines ideas for future work to strengthen the work of intermediaries.

This resource can be found at: http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/outputs/between_ourselves.pdf













Sep 01
Research into development issues is not an end in itself. If knowledge created by researchers is shared and debated publicly, it is more likely to be adopted by policymakers and practitioners. Too many research reports sit on library shelves gathering dust. Today there is growing recognition of the importance of research uptake. More details on Panos London study can be found at: http://www.panos.org.uk/?lid=32245

This briefing looks at the media's capacity to generate public debate using research to influence policy outcomes. One of the key findings highlights the need to strengthen the capacity of researchers to produce policy-relevant research and to work with intermediaries to present such research in a way that the media can use.
Nov 22
A recent MK4D [Mobilizing Knowledge for Development] in India and South Asia event held at New Delhi between 18-19 November 2010 organized by IDS, UK and PRIA, India identified list of gaps and barriers in information access and dissemination in South Asia. Around 50 participants from different intermediary organizations in South Asia discussed issues related with knowledge inter-mediation. Among the most serious of the gaps and barriers were, lack of access to information and technology and language. 

The other gaps and barriers identified were:

Gaps:

  • Dissemination at local level
  • Access to statistical data
  • Authenticity and Quality of research
  • Training in usage of latest technologies
  • Lack of methodology in research
  • Knowledge planning and communication
Barriers:
  • Funding
  • Multiplicity of languages
  • Access and use of academic information
  • Value of research and its impact
  • Search and filtering of information
  • Usage of tools for information retrieval
  • Time taken for undertaking research
I think, the concrete efforts from information intermediaries in working with researchers and other stake holders may resolve some of these gaps and barriers and ensure smoother access to research knowledge.
Nov 22
The discussion paper 'Knowledge Brokers: Briefing paper' published by Australian Institute of International Affairs [AIIA] First, defines and documents the concept of knowledge brokers. Second, it demonstrates the work of knowledge brokers in practice. Third, it discusses implication for the AIIA.

The full text of the paper can be accessed at: http://www.aiia.asn.au/act-papers/doc_download/862-discussion-paper-on-knowledger-brokers

Latest Activity

posted a new blog entry .
21 days ago
posted a new blog entry Preserving the "I don't know" within big data.
21 days ago
posted a new blog entry .
49 days ago
posted a new blog entry Exploring the IL needs of students in transition.
55 days ago
posted a new blog entry .
56 days ago

Share