Institutionally Embedded Professionals’ Perspectives on Knowledge Mobilization: Findings from a Developmental Evaluation

Abstract

Intentional efforts to advance the societal impacts of research are known as knowledge mobilization (KMb). Despite increas-ing pressure on researchers and higher education institutions (HEIs) to engage in KMb activities, capacity building in this area is constrained by a limited understanding of the role of HEIs from the perspective of embedded KMb professionals. This study presents findings from a developmental evaluation of Research Impact Canada’s efforts to build institutional capacity for KMb. Through semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with KMb professionals from 15 Canadian HEIs, we share (a) approaches for how KMb professionals can thrive in institutional environments, and (b) essential questions about KMb for the higher edu-cation sector. From that basis, we discuss how there is a need for skilled KMb professionals within HEIs and a need for (inter)national research and practice collaborations.