knowledge transfer > what is knowledge transfer? some background and definitions ms brooke young,...
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Knowledge Transfer >What is knowledge transfer? Some background and definitions
Ms Brooke Young, Economics & Commerce
Why knowledge transfer is important in a university context
Dr Ross Coller, Science
What we can do to facilitate knowledge transfer, what is our role?
Ms Teresa Tjia, School of Graduate Studies
What is knowledge transfer? Background >We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Buddha, founder of Buddhism
Inaugural Conference:
Knowledge Transfer and Engagement: Examining higher education’s contribution to the knowledge economy
Knowledge transfer – some definitions >Expert Knowledge transfer is about the human activities
involved in sharing, creating new ideas, generating insight and learning. DC Hurst, S MacDougall
Academic We used to be focussed on the dissemination of information; just putting ideas out there. Transfer implies a two-way interaction and engagement.
Community members
i) I think of knowledge transfer as how the university impacts on my life without stepping onto campus.
ii) Effective sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience between units in a company or from a company to customers.
Politician Over the centuries they [universities] have made a massive contribution to the world, generating and validating ideas, transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next and solving the most complex of society’s problems. Alexander Downer, April 06
University of Melbourne’s definition >Knowledge transfer is a direct, two-way interaction between the University and its external communities, involving the development, exchange and application of knowledge and expertise for mutual benefit.
University of Melbourne,
Growing Esteem Strategic Plan 2006
Knowledge transfer: Some examples >Making medical curriculum available to an overseas partner
Commercialising research
International student exchange
Young alumni function held at accounting firm
Fundraising for a new building
Expert comment in the media
Conferences
Concert or art exhibition
KPMG and University of Melbourne jointly develop and deliver short course on treasury management
Lectures on campus for VCE students and their teachers
Criteria?
- Development of knowledge
- Exchange of knowledge
- Application of knowledge
Knowledge Transfer Process >• Research
- Knowledge generation• Publish
- Peer review as quality check• Develop
- End user materials• Disseminate
- Teaching, conferences, workshops• Evaluate
- Adoption, impact
Knowledge Transfer Process >Relationship
building
Informationflow (2 way)
Opportunityrecognition
MaterialFlows
($, contracts, seminar)
Market Orientation
Knowledge Transfer Drivers >• The meaning of a University?
• Our values, culture and history
• Benefits to society
• Relevance– Reduced government funding– International numbers flat
• Reputation– Increasing competition– Development of ranking
Role of academic staff and departments• Third strand of activity – research, teaching
and/or public engagement• Planned, strategic and recognised:
complements research & teaching activities, skills sets of staff, and evaluated
• Change of mindset for all activities: research and teaching
Are we doing it already? >
New Areas? >
• Addressing questions faced by the community
- Applied research and consultancies
• Public discourse and media presence
• Serving on external boards
• An expectation of students
Knowledge Transfer: Good practice examples >
What does your university do in this area?
What are the barriers (challenges)?
What can it do more of (opportunities)?
Resourcing Knowledge Transfer >‘Can universities expect support for their ‘third mission’ activities?’
Knowledge Transfer & Engagement Forum June 2006
Government, Community, Philanthropy, Internal funds?
Measuring outcomes>How do we evaluate the outcomes – putting tangible values on intangibles
Quantitative: media presence; projects/funding; active students and staff
Qualitative: staff, student and community attitudes; graduate attributes; increased relevance; goodwill and respect; being close to ‘customers’
Questions? >
Brooke Young, [email protected]
Ross Coller, [email protected]
Teresa Tjia, [email protected]