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Stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange in environmental research
Jeremy Phillipson1, Philip Lowe, Amy Proctor
1Centre for Rural Economy, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE17RU, UK. jeremy.phillipson@ncl.ac.uk
Journal of Environmental Management
|November 26, 2011
Summary
Effective research uptake requires early stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange. Different engagement methods yield varied benefits for researchers and stakeholders, highlighting the need for strategic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Research Policy
- Knowledge Management
Background:
- Effective research utilization in policy and practice hinges on active knowledge exchange and stakeholder involvement.
- A systematic understanding of specific knowledge exchange practices and their comparative effectiveness is often lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement and perceived impact of stakeholders across 21 UK Research Councils' Rural Economy and Land Use Programme projects.
- To analyze the relationship between knowledge exchange mechanisms and the benefits realized by researchers and stakeholders.
Main Methods:
- A 2009 survey of over a thousand stakeholders involved in 21 research projects.
- Analysis of stakeholder involvement levels (research subjects, event participants, research process engagement) and perceived impacts.
Main Results:
- Most stakeholders participated as research subjects or event attendees; many were involved in shaping research direction.
- Stakeholder engagement is perceived to significantly benefit knowledge production, with close links between exchange methods and benefit distribution.
- Staff exchange and advisory group membership yielded mutual benefits; different sectors showed distinct engagement and impact patterns.
Conclusions:
- Early and strategic knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement are crucial for maximizing research impact.
- Tailoring engagement strategies to different stakeholder sectors is necessary to overcome differing engagement tendencies and optimize outcomes.
- Greater attention should be directed towards the initial stages of knowledge exchange and stakeholder involvement throughout research projects.
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