Knowledge and Innovation Transfer

Knowledge and innovation transfer (KIT) is a complex, dynamic and evolving process and a long-standing international challenge for organisations.

A new role is increasingly being used to help overcome this problem by linking-up those with important knowledge with those who should use it. We call these people knowledge and innovation transfer (KIT) “agents”.

The research, conducted in 2014-2015, used an in-depth qualitative case-study design, focused on a sample of KIT agents from Academic Health Science Networks in England and an Academic Health Science Partnership in Wales.

Our research addressed the following questions:

• What are commonly shared expectations of the KIT agent role?
• What, in practice, do KIT agents do?
• How does the work of KIT agents impact on healthcare planning and practice?
• How can KIT agents be best supported?

Conclusions

The KIT agent roles were varied, complex and evolving. Common to all roles was how they strengthened relationships with researchers, patients and others who are a source of helpful knowledge. These roles were valued by the people the KIT agents assisted. The KIT agents’ expertise, flexibility and “can-do” attitude were also valued.

Insufficient time for the role sometimes made it difficult for the KIT agents; given the sheer scale of the task and the environment in which they currently operate, the effectiveness of KIT agents needs a long-term view.

Demonstrating the impact of their work was often a concern for agents, particularly when formal evaluations were rarely used. Having a supportive manager and team, time to do the job, and a clear purpose all helped their work.