k* (kstar): an inter-denominational view of networking the networks

K* (KStar): an inter-denominational

view of Networking the Networks

2nd Canadian KMb Forum Mississauga, ON June 2013

by Dr. Alex T. Bielak

Knowledge Broker Chair of the Kstar Initiative convened by UNU-INWEH

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the K* Conference brought together key

experts from across the world, and from

different sectors for the first time

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The K* (KStar) initiative

• “K* is the collective term for the set of functions and processes at the various interfaces between knowledge, practice and policy.”

• “K* improves the ways in which knowledge is shared and applied: improving processes already in place to bring about more effective and sustainable change.”

Shaxson, Louise with Alex T. Bielak, et al. 2012. Expanding our understanding

of K* (KT, KE, KTT, KMb, KB, KM, etc.) A concept paper emerging from the K*

conference held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, April 2012. UNU-INWEH,

Hamilton, ON. 30pp + appendices

www.tinyurl.com/kstarconference

Let me get this out of the way

• This is not just an theoretical exercise

• The Concepts and Framework are already

being used by/informing the work of:

– Third Sector Research Centre, CanChild Centre

for Childhood Disability Research, Natural

England, UNCCD, NRCan, World Bank,

Watermobile, South African Development

Community, Govt. of Ontario Cabinet Office,

EuropeAid, UN International Strategy for

Disaster Reduction, ODI, UNU-INWEH and

others…

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NOT FOR CITATION: Fig 1: The K* spectrum. There is a spectrum of knowledge sharing activities, which are all systemically

related to each other. (Adapted from Shaxson and Bielak et al, 2012.) (Figure is from a multi-author paper currently with the Editor in Chief of Science:

Shaxson, L.; Bielak, A. T.; and Yip, Z.K.: et al. “From science communication to knowledge mobilization and innovation brokering: the K* (Kstar) spectrum”)

KMb

Mapping functions

alex@bielak.ca

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Mapping functions

alex@bielak.ca

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IS THERE A NEED FOR

INCREASED CONNECTIVITY?

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FOR A NETWORK OF

NETWORKS?

FOR A METASITE?

Is there a need? • A key recommendation from Kstar

Surely we

• don’t want duplication, Balkanization?

• do want to learn from the successes, best

practices and failures of others?

• do want to help make a comprehensive

case for K* (whatever we call our bit of it)

alex.bielak@ec.gc.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

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Organizations K* COPS Canada

• KMb Institute

• Research Impact

• KTECop ON

• KTECop

• Govt. ON K*

Practitioners

Network

• CSWA

• Cdn Research

Date Centre

Network

• EENet

• …

alex.bielak@ec.gc.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

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INTERNATIONAL

(MIX)

• KTExchange

• Bonn Science Shop

• PCST

• Global

Implementation

Conference

• KBForum

• KM4Dev

• KStar Conference

• CIPPEC

• GDNet

• INASP

• KTAfrica

• …

USE K* IN PRACTICE

• York University KMb Unit

• CWN

• NeuroDevnet

• Neurotrauma KMb

Network

• Spinal Cord Injury KMb

Network

• Federal Depts and CoP

• OMAFRA-UofG KTT

Partnership

• KNAER

• WSPS

• …

alex@bielak.ca

CIS-SPI 14/11/2012 Brussels 12

we have the Tools

www.inweh.unu.edu/River/KnowledgeManagement/Kstar2012GreenPaper.htm

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And understand the obstacles (Structural, Individual, Organizational, Systemic)

www.inweh.unu.edu/River/KnowledgeManagement/Kstar2012GreenPaper.htm

Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

Ultimately we are living proof that we are getting past many such barriers:

Should we now look at barriers to greater connectivity/learning?

So what is preventing us? 1. LIFE

We are busy

2. WORK

We are all invested in our own thing

We/others don’t see a need or potential benefits

We do see a need but there are barriers

People change jobs, retire

3. HUMAN NATURE

We lose interest/focus

We are lazy, protectionist, hostile

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Q#1. WHERE DO WE FIT AND WHY/HOW DO WE INTERLINK?

Thankyou/Merci

Questions?

alex@bielak.ca

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