KE for Sustainability: Introducing the 7 principles

LWEC KE guidelines

LWEC/NERC processBest practice workshop in JulyDraft guidelines

Sustainable Learning RELU/LWEC projectResearch agenda Understanding KE mechanismsBuild capacity for future KE in peatlands

UK scope, upland/catchment management cases

Interviews: 32 PI/PM/stakeholders (1-2 hrs)

Project: 6 RELU, 4 RCUK, 5 NGO/business

Key collaborators:Expert group (many here)LWEC & RELU directorates

Draft prepared by:

John Holmes, Sustainable Learning project with initial feedback from various people

7 Principles of knowledge exchange

Structure:

Broad principles

Guidelines under each principle

Methods & tips to implement each principle (hotlinks)

Case studies of principles/methods with interview quotes

7 Principles of knowledge exchange

Principle 1: DESIGN FOR KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

Knowledge exchange needs to be designed and effectively integrated into research

programmes from the outset to ensure the approach is adequately tailored to

programme goals, context and the needs of research participants and users. Design

flexibility into programmes to ensure that they can be responsive to the changing needs and priorities of research users.

Principle 2: ENSURE SYSTEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF RESEARCH

USER NEEDS/PRIORITIES

It is important to ensure the needs and priorities of likely research users are

represented systematically in programme design and implementation, to enhance the

legitimacy and impact of research.

Principle 3: MAKE SURE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE IS A

TWO-WAY PROCESS

A two-way process of collaboration between all those involved can establish

a shared purpose, engender trust, facilitate learning and ensure continued

involvement in the research process.

Principle 4: CREATE A SAFE SPACE IN WHICH PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

CAN SHARE OPINIONS AND EXISTING KNOWLEDGE, AND GENERATE NEW

KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER

The knowledge exchange process needs to enable those involved to effectively listen to each other, share knowledge and skills, explore new ideas and to

learn, adapt and apply the knowledge they gain.

Principle 5: DELIVER IMPACT

For a knowledge exchange process to be perceived as effective, it needs to deliver tangible

and desirable outcomes for as many of those involved as possible. Design the process to

achieve something tangible, include stakeholders in deciding what should be achieved and make sure the process delivers. Quick wins early on

that do not compromise research rigour will gain respect from participants, and help achieve more

in the long term.

Principle 6: SUSTAIN ENGAGEMENT BY DEVELOPING A KNOWLEDGE

EXCHANGE CULTURE

Ensure that a culture is promoted, where stakeholders are valued, two-way knowledge exchange is promoted, and participants work

to a shared purpose, to promote sustained engagement and impact.

Principle 7: REFLECT AND EVALUATE

Ensure knowledge exchange is monitored & evaluated, so individuals & programmes can reflect on & learn from their own and each

other’s experience, to improve their practice.

the journey continues…

Today...

Further feedback from LWEC partners, you & wider group

Trial from January:DEFRA Ecosystems NetworkNERC’s BESS & VNN programmesScottish Government Centre of Expertise