Knowledge Brokering

Knowledge brokering links decision makers and researchers, facilitating their interaction so that they are able to better understand each other's goals and professional cultures, influence each other's work, forge new partnerships, and promote the use of research-based evidence in decision-making. Knowledge brokering activities include finding the right players to influence research use in decision-making, bringing these players together, creating and helping to sustain relationships among them, and helping them to engage in collaborative problem-solving. Knowledge brokering in this context is ultimately about increasing evidence-based decision-making in the organization, management, and delivery of health services.

Since the creation of the Foundation in 1997, Knowledge Exchange has been integral to all of our activities. Recently, the Foundation added another dimension to its Knowledge Exchange activities by adding a knowledge brokering program aimed at understanding brokering, identifying and linking knowledge brokers, providing resources, and evaluating brokering effectiveness.

From November 2005 to February 2007, the Foundation produced 32 issues of Brokering Digest, a series that summarized useful knowledge brokering-related articles, books, and web sites. These digests are available under "Brokering Resources."

The Foundation now produces Insight and Action: A digest linking those who practice Knowledge Exchange with relevant evidence-informed resources.

This series will provide insights into important concepts of Knowledge Exchange, including networks, brokering, dissemination, and research use.