Social Science Funding Agencies' Promotion of Knowledge Mobilization and Research Impact: An International Longitudinal Study

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: State Policies and Funding Reforms (Table 2)

Abstract

Researchers are under increasing pressure to mobilize their research more widely with non-academic audiences and trace the impact of their work in broader society, efforts we call Knowledge mobilization (KMb). This study presents longitudinal data from environmental scans (conducted in 2017 and 2022) mapping how 45 social science funding agencies are promoting (through requirements for researchers) and supporting (through agency initiatives) KMb and research impact agendas. Our findings suggest a lack of clarity around the conceptualization and operationalization of KMb and research impact. Agency initiatives focus on communication of research rather than more robust capacity-building efforts for researchers. We argue that funders are well situated to assist researchers in developing skills to increase KMb efforts, ultimately, to improve societal outcomes.

Authors

• Amanda Cooper, Queen's University - Kingston
  Presenting Author

• Stephen W. MacGregor, University of Calgary
  Presenting Author

• Paisley Worthington, Queen's University - Kingston
  Presenting Author

• Joelle Rodway, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Michelle J. Searle, Queen's University - Kingston
  Non-Presenting Author