Knowledge Exchange (KE) policies often bring a mix of opportunity and challenge. While institutions recognise their importance, translating these policies into practice can feel overwhelming. Here are seven actionable strategies to implement Knowledge Exchange and address challenges head-on:
1. Understand the barriers to researcher engagement
To encourage researchers to participate in KE initiatives and identify their core challenges. Are they lacking motivation, time, or skills? Use a simple framework like the Behaviour Change Model to diagnose these issues:
Motivation: Researchers may not see a direct benefit from KE or may find current pathways unappealing.
Capacity: Tight schedules and insufficient resources often stand in the way.
Skills: Lack of clarity on how to engage effectively hinders progress.
“We often assume it’s about motivation when it’s about mismatched pathways.”
Action: Tailor initiatives to address these specific barriers.
2. Develop strategic interventions aligned with institutional KPIs
Culture change takes time, but strategic efforts can expedite the process. Mapping KE programmes to institutional key performance indicators (KPIs) can achieve alignment with broader goals. Consider creating a ‘pipeline’ approach:
Awareness: Initiatives that spark initial interest.
Confidence-Building: Programmes like workshops or mentorship to reduce hesitations.
Action-Oriented Support: Tools and resources to drive meaningful engagement.
“When universities align their activities with institutional KPIs, they can better demonstrate impact and secure buy-in.”
Action: Understand your institutional KE KPIs and develop activities that move participants through the pipeline from awareness to action.
3. Prioritise programmes based on researcher profiles
Researchers aren’t a monolith. The Talent Agency Matrix can be used to categorise them into groups such as:
Game Changers: Highly skilled and proactive—provide advanced opportunities.
Go-Getters: High motivation but need skill-building.
Frustrated Geniuses: Skilled but lacking institutional support or clarity.
Focus on supporting ‘Go-Getters’ for quick wins and higher ROI. ‘Frustrated Geniuses’ may require systemic changes for sustained engagement.
Action: Consider how the Talent Agency Matrix would work in your institution and how to utilise your game changers as mentors, champions or advocates.
4. Design programmes that drive immediate action
Move beyond lectures and into actionable, outcome-focused initiatives. Programmes should emphasise clarity, confidence, and competence, ensuring participants can implement what they’ve learned immediately.
For example: In a four-session programme with six universities, researchers identified three commercialisation ideas, validated one, and presented actionable next steps.
“The key was cutting content to the minimum and focusing on action.”
Action: Choose an underperforming programme and review it for clarity, confidence, and competence. Is it outcome-focused and does it present actionable next steps?
5. Start small for big impact
Large-scale programmes often dilute results. Instead, pilot programmes with small, specific target groups can allow for:
Tailored interventions.
Richer case studies and success stories.
Iterative improvements before scaling.
This approach not only builds momentum but also helps secure leadership buy-in.
“Focus on supporting 10 researchers deeply rather than spreading resources thin.”
Action: Draw up a list of 10 researchers you could collaborate with to create blueprints and replicable processes. What programmes could you create? How could you work with the participants to go deeper and create scalable solutions?
6. Build a culture of knowledge exchange by utilising success stories
Encourage participation by showcasing relatable success stories, providing recognition, and emphasising KE’s alignment with researchers’ and institutional goals.
“Creating an environment that fosters behaviour change starts with small wins and visible outcomes.”
Action: Run a pilot programme with a small group to achieve visible outcomes that can be used to demonstrate what’s possible and create interest among the wider researcher community. Having stories to share makes the concept more accessible and relevant.
7. Continuously evaluate and adapt
No programme is static. Regularly assess your initiatives for:
Alignment with evolving institutional goals.
Effectiveness in moving researchers through the pipeline.
Gaps in service or resource allocation.
“Evaluation is the cornerstone of sustainable knowledge exchange.”
Map your progress against KPIs and look for opportunities to iterate.
Action: Create a system for regular evaluation of your programmes. Map your progress against institutional KPIs, track behaviour changes, and use findings to iterate and improve.
For a in-depth look at practical evaluation methods, join our Evaluation Masterclass webinar – a 60-minute session covering frameworks for measuring impact and driving improvements.
By focusing on motivation, alignment, and actionable design, institutions can successfully translate KE policies into impactful practices. Start small, evaluate often, and aim for programmes that drive real change via strategic interventions.
Looking for more inspiration? Watch our webinar series
