Developing a Knowledge Infrastructure to Support Equitable Research Production and Dissemination: A Case Study

• In Event: The Dynamics of Philanthropy: Racialization, Representation, and Research Equity

Abstract

Despite increased recognition of foundations’ centrality to research production and dissemination, there have been limited opportunities to study their internal processes. This case study positions a foundation as an instructive case and draws upon extensive interview and artifact data to ask: What is the nature of the knowledge infrastructure developed to support the production, dissemination, and use of research across multiple fields? Findings reveal a complex, robust, and substantially evolving infrastructure that entails several key routines, structures, and norms that support particular mobilization strategies. Further, the infrastructure consists of multiple actors working at different stages of the research process to apply the strategies toward particular audiences. These findings may be illuminating to both scholars and members of the philanthropic community.

Authors

• Joel R. Malin, Miami University (OH)

• Caitlin Farrell, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Lok-Sze Wong, University of North Texas

• Dominique Brooks, University of North Texas

• Elizabeth N. Farley-Ripple, University of Delaware

• Jennifer Watling Neal, Michigan State University

• Samantha Jo Shewchuk, University of Delaware

• Brian Brutzman, Michigan State University