Knowledge exchange refers to the multi-way exchange of information, ideas and expertise between researchers and stakeholders. Done well, knowledge exchange can maximise and accelerate the uptake, use and impact of research outputs, with benefits to society and the economy.
There is a significant body of literature available on the most effective methods of knowledge exchange. More general guidance is available from research councils and their funded programmes.
- EPSRC: Delivering impact
- RCUK: Knowledge exchange and impact
- ESRC: The importance of knowledge exchange
Contribution from the ARCC Network
Effective knowledge exchange is at the heart of the ARCC Network. Through coordinated engagement and facilitated dialogue between researchers and stakeholders, initiated early and sustained throughout the overall research process, the Network helps ensure expertise on both sides can be used to deliver credible outputs for use in policy and practice.
LWEC Knowledge Exchange Guidelines
Recognising the importance of knowledge exchange to the success of their initiatives, LWEC have published guidelines to aid the KE process across all activities endorsed by the LWEC Partnership. These Guidelines include advice and suggestions in eight key areas: Target, Design, Engage, Facilitate, Share , Impact, Sustain and Evaluate.
The ARCC Network was involved in helping to develop these Guidelines, contributing experiences, material and case studies, and continues to play a role in disseminating this information more widely.
Stakeholder perspectives
To maximise the use and impact of research outputs, EPSRC-funded projects include significant stakeholder engagement throughout the research process. Stakeholders have varying levels of expertise, requirements and capacity to engage with involvement varying from general advice and feedback on potential uses to complex co-production of outputs. Key stakeholders working with individual ARCC projects have summarised their perspectives on the value of being involved in the research. This helps guide further work and gives an insight for future stakeholders.
