Determinants of successful knowledge brokering: A transnational comparison of knowledge-intermediary organizations

Abstract

In this practice-based paper, knowledge brokers working in Argentina, Canada, Ghana and Vanuatu reflect on knowledge-intermediary activities. Although our use of media varies, we share five knowledge-brokering practices: build trust; develop capacity; co-construct knowledge; understand the political, social and economic context; and build culture. While these characteristics of knowledge brokering are well described in individual research studies, our reflections on their commonality across diverse settings suggest that they are determinants of successful knowledge brokering. The commonality of these five practices challenges the perception that knowledge brokering is context specific. We propose that it is not the practice but its implementation that is context specific.