Knowledge exchange through an intermediary organization: A case study on the conservation of biodiversity in Mexico

Abstract

Intermediary organizations play a key role in the Knowledge Exchange Processes (KEP) between scientists and decision-makers. There is a need to better understand KEP carried out by intermediary organizations in megadiverse and developing countries, the roles played by their staff, and the researchers involved. Factors that catalyst or hinder KEP over long periods are not very clear also. In this paper, we analyze the KEP that has occurred in the last three decades between researchers from the Biology Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity. Through document analysis and interviews, our main findings show that KEP comprises seven stages: (a) formation of a working group, (b) establishment of information quality standards, (c) internal review, (d) external review, (e) final review of the tools to support decision-making, (f) publication and diffusion, and (g) update. The roles performed by intermediary staff include areas specialized in the financing, compiling, translating, and disseminating the tools to support decision-making on biodiversity conservation. The roles of researchers include generation of primary data, synthesis of information, and generation of technical-scientific opinions. Catalysts and obstacles to KEP occur at the individual and institutional levels. These results can serve as a basis for the development and strengthening of intermediary organizations that support decision-making on issues related to the long-term maintenance and use of biodiversity, as well as the development of strategies that help to make visible the key role that basic science research play in the KEP.