Evaluating knowledge translation models in IDRC-funded research
The expertise and experience of the researchers we support in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean has taught us that research and innovation on their own are not sufficient to drive positive change. Knowledge generated by research needs to be easily accessible, visible and useful to targeted and engaged decision-makers and practitioners who are influencing development agendas and informing solutions.
This is why a core objective in IDRC’s Strategy 2030 guiding our vision for a more sustainable and inclusive world is to “share knowledge for greater uptake and use”, which places significant emphasis on increasing the influence of the research we support.
To achieve this goal, IDRC is enhancing its investment in moving evidence into action to address development challenges. We are pursuing a more systematic and intentional approach to supporting these efforts, which we refer to as knowledge translation, across our programs.
Evaluation of program support models for knowledge translation in IDRC-funded research
In the initial phase of the implementation of Strategy 2030, IDRC commissioned a formative, learning-oriented evaluation to examine how we are embedding and strengthening knowledge translation capacity and outcomes in IDRC programs. This evaluation focused on assessing the effectiveness and relevance of program designs that include explicit investments in knowledge translation expertise and support as a complement to the research process.
This evaluation was conducted by an external team from Universalia in partnership with Ajah and Arte Communications. Their findings about program design and engagement with knowledge translation support, mechanisms for learning and achieving intended outcomes, effectiveness, and their resulting recommendations, are presented in “Knowledge sharing for a more sustainable and inclusive world: an evaluation of program support models for knowledge translation in IDRC-funded research.”
Learn more in this evaluation knowledge brief about knowledge translation concepts, approaches and mechanisms used in the evaluation, as well as the key planning considerations to effectively mobilize knowledge translation expertise in program design.
Read the synthesis of findings on knowledge translation from previous IDRC evaluations, prepared as background for this evaluation.
