Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Knowledge Mobilization

Agri-Food Style!

From extension to knowledge translation and transfer (KTT): the University of Guelph partners with the Ontario agri-food sector.

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Outline

A brief history of extension The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership The Research Program Knowledge Translation and Transfer Innovation and Collaboration Questions

From Extension to KTT in Ontario

1874

• Ontario School of Ag and experimental Farm

1890’s

• Ontario Travelling Dairy Trains

1906

• First Ag Rep hired in Ontario

1920’s onwards

• Growth and Development of OMAFRA, OAC, and U of G

1990’s

• OMAFRA shifts emphasis to Leads and Specialists

2008-2013

New OMAFRA-UofG Partnership Agreement

KTT Focus

3

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

“Fogo Process” 1960’s

Extension = knowledge intensive actions associated with specialized information, learning, and communication

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership

Unique in Canada

Attracts a critical mass of research expertise to the University, to the City of Guelph, and to the Ontario agri-food sector

The annual economic impact exceeds $1.15 billion.

2008-2013 renewal included a one-time funding allotment for ‘Knowledge Translation and Transfer’

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Research funded through the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership

7 Research Themes covering a robust agri-food and rural research enterprise at U of Guelph:

Production Systems (Animals and Plants) Bioeconomy Environmental Sustainability Agricultural and Rural Policy Emergency Management Food for Health Product Development and Enhancement through the Value Chain

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Program

$5 million one-time funding 2008-2013

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

The (KTT) Funding Program

4 Calls for Proposals starting in May 2010

Approximately $3 million awarded to faculty for KTT projects

Close to 60 projects in total by 2013

Broad cross-section of projects across the 7 research themes

Creative collaborations, use of social media, technology, etc.

Project reporting on-going: evaluation will be key

http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/partnership/KTT_and_IP.shtml

8

Rebecca Hallett, School of Environmental Sciences

9

Calf-ETERIA:

Using CALF health and productivity as a template for an Evaluation of Translation and Extension of Research Information for Agriculture

Dr. Ken Leslie Dept. of Population Medicine, OVC

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

KTT Networking, Events, and Tools

Research Forums and Expos

KTT Community of Practice

Annual Knowledge Exchange Day

KTT Tools

Enhanced Communications

@AgFoodRuralLink

11

Research User Groups

Involvement of Research Users in Project

KTT Methods and Timelines

Explain how users will benefit from the research

This research is important to:_______

The users of this research are involved in the implementation of the project: _____

The research users will be communicated via the following ways: _________

The users benefit from the research in this way:_____

1. 1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2. 2.

KTT as part of the research process*:

* Component of research proposals for the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership research program.

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

KTT? Or Innovation Brokering? - Based on work by Laurens Klerkx

Demand articulation: helping to refine knowledge demand need and knowledge supply opportunities

Network formulation: facilitation of linkages between relevant actors

Innovation process management: facilitating learning and cooperation in the innovation process and broader network of innovation actors

https://researchimpact.othree.ca/forums/journalclub/innovation-brokers

13

Single source delivery of extension - Straightforward but basic

Collaborative Model for KTT (Government/Academia/Industry) - Complex, rewarding, and long-lasting

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Collaboration – Lessons (still being) Learned

Institutional Cultures: unique partnership creates ‘embedded’ collaboration

Meeting Priorities: creating shared vision and goals; understanding roles

Engaging the private sector and the not-for-profit stakeholders: finding the common

ground can be challenging

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Closing Thoughts…

“ It is perhaps the defining question of our time: How to tackle the complex, interrelated challenges of the 21st century in a coherent and effective way? The answer, I am convinced, lies in what I call the diplomacy of knowledge, defined as our ability and willingness to work together and share our learning across discipline and borders. When people achieve the right mixture of creativity, communication and co-operation, remarkable things can happen.”

David Johnson, Governor-General of Canada February, 2012, Globe & Mail

• Elin Gwyn, OMAFRA • Melissa MacKay, U of Guelph • Barb Dillingham, OMAFRA • Duff MacKinnon, OMAFRA • Helen Hambly Odame, U of Guelph • All of the creative faculty and collaborators working on KTT projects!

Thanks for listening and for more information: bwilton@uoguelph.ca

Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012

Acknowledgements: