This document summarizes a presentation about the K* initiative, which aims to improve knowledge sharing and application across different sectors. The presentation discusses: 1) The K* conference that brought together experts from different fields and sectors for knowledge sharing. 2) The goals of the K* initiative to serve as a collective term for knowledge functions and processes at the interface of knowledge, practice, and policy. 3) Examples of organizations currently using the K* concepts and framework to inform their work.

1. 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

2. 2alex@bielak.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13
the K* Conference brought together key
experts from across the world, and from
different sectors for the first time

3. 3alex@bielak.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

4. alex@bielak.ca 4
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

5. 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…
alex@bielak.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13 5

6. NOT FOR CITATION: Fig 1: The K* spectrum.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

7. Mapping functions
alex@bielak.ca 7Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

8. Mapping functions
alex@bielak.ca 8Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

9. IS THERE A NEED FOR
INCREASED CONNECTIVITY?
alex.bielak@ec.gc.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13 9
FOR A NETWORK OF
NETWORKS?
FOR A METASITE?

10. 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 10

11. 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 11
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
• …

12. alex@bielak.ca CIS-SPI 14/11/2012 Brussels 12
we have the Tools
www.inweh.unu.edu/River/KnowledgeManagement/Kstar2012GreenPaper.htm

13. alex@bielak.ca 13
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?

14. 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
alex@bielak.ca 14Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13

15. alex.bielak@ec.gc.ca Canadian KMb Forum – 04-06-13 15
Q#1. WHERE DO WE FIT AND WHY/HOW DO WE INTERLINK?

16. Thankyou/Merci
Questions?
alex@bielak.ca
16