Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Knowledge Mobilization
Agri-Food Style!
From extension to knowledge translation and transfer (KTT): the University of Guelph partners with the Ontario agri-food sector.
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Outline
A brief history of extension The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership The Research Program Knowledge Translation and Transfer Innovation and Collaboration Questions
From Extension to KTT in Ontario
1874
• Ontario School of Ag and experimental Farm
1890’s
• Ontario Travelling Dairy Trains
1906
• First Ag Rep hired in Ontario
1920’s onwards
• Growth and Development of OMAFRA, OAC, and U of G
1990’s
• OMAFRA shifts emphasis to Leads and Specialists
2008-2013
New OMAFRA-UofG Partnership Agreement
KTT Focus
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Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
“Fogo Process” 1960’s
Extension = knowledge intensive actions associated with specialized information, learning, and communication
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
Unique in Canada
Attracts a critical mass of research expertise to the University, to the City of Guelph, and to the Ontario agri-food sector
The annual economic impact exceeds $1.15 billion.
2008-2013 renewal included a one-time funding allotment for ‘Knowledge Translation and Transfer’
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Research funded through the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
7 Research Themes covering a robust agri-food and rural research enterprise at U of Guelph:
Production Systems (Animals and Plants) Bioeconomy Environmental Sustainability Agricultural and Rural Policy Emergency Management Food for Health Product Development and Enhancement through the Value Chain
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Program
$5 million one-time funding 2008-2013
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
The (KTT) Funding Program
4 Calls for Proposals starting in May 2010
Approximately $3 million awarded to faculty for KTT projects
Close to 60 projects in total by 2013
Broad cross-section of projects across the 7 research themes
Creative collaborations, use of social media, technology, etc.
Project reporting on-going: evaluation will be key
http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/partnership/KTT_and_IP.shtml
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Rebecca Hallett, School of Environmental Sciences
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Calf-ETERIA:
Using CALF health and productivity as a template for an Evaluation of Translation and Extension of Research Information for Agriculture
Dr. Ken Leslie Dept. of Population Medicine, OVC
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
KTT Networking, Events, and Tools
Research Forums and Expos
KTT Community of Practice
Annual Knowledge Exchange Day
KTT Tools
Enhanced Communications
@AgFoodRuralLink
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Research User Groups
Involvement of Research Users in Project
KTT Methods and Timelines
Explain how users will benefit from the research
This research is important to:_______
The users of this research are involved in the implementation of the project: _____
The research users will be communicated via the following ways: _________
The users benefit from the research in this way:_____
1. 1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2. 2.
KTT as part of the research process*:
* Component of research proposals for the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership research program.
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
KTT? Or Innovation Brokering? - Based on work by Laurens Klerkx
Demand articulation: helping to refine knowledge demand need and knowledge supply opportunities
Network formulation: facilitation of linkages between relevant actors
Innovation process management: facilitating learning and cooperation in the innovation process and broader network of innovation actors
https://researchimpact.othree.ca/forums/journalclub/innovation-brokers
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Single source delivery of extension - Straightforward but basic
Collaborative Model for KTT (Government/Academia/Industry) - Complex, rewarding, and long-lasting
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Collaboration – Lessons (still being) Learned
Institutional Cultures: unique partnership creates ‘embedded’ collaboration
Meeting Priorities: creating shared vision and goals; understanding roles
Engaging the private sector and the not-for-profit stakeholders: finding the common
ground can be challenging
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Closing Thoughts…
“ It is perhaps the defining question of our time: How to tackle the complex, interrelated challenges of the 21st century in a coherent and effective way? The answer, I am convinced, lies in what I call the diplomacy of knowledge, defined as our ability and willingness to work together and share our learning across discipline and borders. When people achieve the right mixture of creativity, communication and co-operation, remarkable things can happen.”
David Johnson, Governor-General of Canada February, 2012, Globe & Mail
• Elin Gwyn, OMAFRA • Melissa MacKay, U of Guelph • Barb Dillingham, OMAFRA • Duff MacKinnon, OMAFRA • Helen Hambly Odame, U of Guelph • All of the creative faculty and collaborators working on KTT projects!
Thanks for listening and for more information: [email protected]
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum Ottawa, ON, June 2012
Acknowledgements: