Finding the sweet spot: Network structures and processes for increased knowledge mobilization

Authors

Patricia Briscoe, Western University
Katina E. Pollock, the University of Western OntarioFollow
Carol Campbell, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto
Shasta Carr-Harris, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2015

Journal

Brock Education Journal

Volume

25

Issue

1

First Page

19

Last Page

34

Abstract

The use of networks in public education is one of a number of knowledge mobilization (KMb) strategies utilized to promote evidence-based research into practice. However, challenges exist in the ability to effectively mobilizing knowledge through external partnership networks. The purpose of this paper is to further explore how networks work. Data was collected from virtual discussions for an interim report for a province-wide government initiative. A secondary analysis of the data was performed. The findings present network structures and processes that partners were engaged in when building a network within education. The implications of this study show that building a network for successful outcomes is complex and metaphorically similar to finding the “sweet spot.” It is challenging but networks that used strategies to align structures and processes proved to achieve more success in mobilizing research to practice.

Notes

The authors wish to acknowledge that this article was first published by the Brock Education Journal, Vol. 25(1).