Knowledge and innovation management in the policy debate on biofuel sustainability in Mozambique: what roles for researchers?

Abstract

This paper contributes to exploring the relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) and Innovation Management (IM) in policy processes. By describing and analyzing the roles of researchers as a knowledge and innovation manager in policy processes authors also contribute to the debate on how researchers can enhance their effective contribution to policy processes. Empirical data for the paper were gathered between December 2008 and November 2010. During that period, two of this paper's authors conducted participatory action research whilst supporting the Mozambican inter-ministerial subgroup sustainability criteria in developing a sustainability framework for biofuel production in Mozambique. Authors conclude that KM and IM are mutually reinforcing and inextricably bound: KM can provide the basis for engaging in more specific IM activities or roles, which may consequently contribute to creating an enabling environment for more effective KM in policy processes. Subsequently, the active embedding of researchers, an action-oriented research approach and systematic reflection can enable researchers to continuously determine what (combination of) KM and IM strategies or roles can enhance the action ability of research in, and the quality of the policy process. To do so successfully, a process-based research approach and strategic management of the boundary between research and policy is a key.