What is knowledge transfer

If we are to compete in the global marketplace, we need to increase our knowledge transfer and collaboration to get our research into practice.

• Knowledge transfer is a crucial part of all funded research projects as it increases the chances of the research being applied in practice. It is something that you will need to consider before you even start. From the outset of your research project you will need to consider how to engage with potential users. Knowledge transfer will help open up a range of opportunities that will revolve around the people you engage with.

• Knowledge transfer is about exchanging good ideas, research results, experiences and skills between universities, other research organisations, business, government, the public sector and the wider community to enable innovative new products, services and policies to be developed.

• Knowledge transfer can involve a range of methods - from seminars to media relations, from placements to partnerships it is a two-way process. By creating more of a dialogue between researchers and research users, the results of our research are more likely to be applied in policy and practice.
  

The ESRC states that:

For us working in the social sciences, successful innovation is about the creation and implementation of new processes, products, services and methods of delivery which result in significant improvements in outcomes, efficiency, effectiveness or quality across public, private and voluntary sectors.

However good your research, there is little point in doing it if nobody knows about it. Your research will make no difference to policy or practice if it is not communicated to the right people in the right way at the right time. This is where knowledge transfer comes in.

Knowledge transfer isn't something that you add on at the end of your research project. Thinking about who your audiences are and engaging with them actively throughout the lifespan of your research project will help you:

• gain better understanding of the needs of potential users
• inform and improve the quality of your research
• gain valuable skills and experience
• develop networks and improve your influencing skills
• increase the prospects of your research being applied
• enhance your reputation
• increase your opportunities for further research funding and career opportunities
• open up the opportunity of joint funding.
        
  

Enquiries

For all research enquiries, business, commissioned research, consultancy and KTPs please contact Andrea Tinson either by phone +44 (0)20 7040 8501 or email andrea.tinson.1@city.ac.uk