1. Knowledge
Mobilization
Agri-Food Style!
From extension to knowledge translation and
transfer (KTT): the University of Guelph
partners with the Ontario agri-food sector.
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

2. Outline
A brief history of extension
The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
The Research Program
Knowledge Translation and Transfer
Innovation and Collaboration
Questions
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

3. From Extension to KTT in Ontario
1874 1890’s 1906
• Ontario School of Ag • Ontario Travelling • First Ag Rep hired in
and experimental Dairy Trains Ontario
Farm
“Fogo Process”
1960’s
2008-2013
1990’s 1920’s onwards
New OMAFRA-UofG
• OMAFRA shifts • Growth and
Partnership Agreement
emphasis to Leads Development of
KTT Focus and Specialists OMAFRA, OAC, and U
of G
Extension = knowledge intensive actions associated with
specialized information, learning, and communication
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012
3

4. The OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
Unique in Canada
Attracts a critical mass of research expertise to the
University, to the City of Guelph, and to the
Ontario agri-food sector
The annual economic impact exceeds $1.15 billion.
2008-2013 renewal included a one-time funding
allotment for ‘Knowledge Translation and Transfer’
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

5. Research funded through the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
7 Research Themes covering a robust agri-food and
rural research enterprise at U of Guelph:
Production Systems (Animals and Plants)
Bioeconomy
Environmental Sustainability
Agricultural and Rural Policy
Emergency Management
Food for Health
Product Development and Enhancement through the Value Chain
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

6. The Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Program
$5 million one-time
funding 2008-2013
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

7. The (KTT) Funding Program
4 Calls for Proposals starting in May 2010
Approximately $3 million awarded to faculty for KTT projects
Close to 60 projects in total by 2013
Broad cross-section of projects across the 7 research themes
Creative collaborations, use of social media, technology, etc.
Project reporting on-going: evaluation will be key
http://www.uoguelph.ca/research/omafra/partnership/KTT_and_IP.shtml
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

8. Rebecca Hallett, School of
Environmental Sciences
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9. Calf-ETERIA:
Using CALF health and productivity as a template for
an Evaluation of Translation and Extension of
Research Information for Agriculture
Dr. Ken Leslie
Dept. of Population
Medicine, OVC
9

10. KTT Networking, Events, and Tools
Research Forums and Expos
KTT Community of Practice
Annual Knowledge Exchange Day
KTT Tools
Enhanced Communications
@AgFoodRuralLink
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

11. KTT as part of the research process*:
Research User Involvement of KTT Methods and Explain how users
Groups Research Users in Timelines will benefit from
Project the research
This research is The users of this The research users The users benefit
important research are will be from the research in
to:_______ involved in the communicated via this way:_____
implementation of the following ways:
the project: _____ _________
1. 1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2. 2.
* Component of research proposals for the OMAFRA-U of G Partnership
research program.
11

12. KTT? Or Innovation Brokering?
- Based on work by Laurens Klerkx
Demand articulation: helping to refine knowledge
demand need and knowledge supply opportunities
Network formulation: facilitation of linkages between
relevant actors
Innovation process management: facilitating learning
and cooperation in the innovation process and broader
network of innovation actors
https://researchimpact.othree.ca/forums/journalclub/innovation-brokers
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

13. Single source delivery of
extension
- Straightforward but basic
Collaborative Model for KTT
(Government/Academia/Industry)
- Complex, rewarding, and long-
lasting
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14. Collaboration – Lessons (still being) Learned
Institutional Cultures: unique partnership
creates ‘embedded’ collaboration
Meeting Priorities: creating shared vision
and goals; understanding roles
Engaging the private sector and the not-for-
profit stakeholders: finding the common
ground can be challenging
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

15. Closing Thoughts…
“ It is perhaps the defining question of our time: How to tackle the
complex, interrelated challenges of the 21st century in a coherent
and effective way?
The answer, I am convinced, lies in what I call the diplomacy of
knowledge, defined as our ability and willingness to work together
and share our learning across discipline and borders. When
people achieve the right mixture of creativity, communication and
co-operation, remarkable things can happen.”
David Johnson, Governor-General of Canada
February, 2012, Globe & Mail
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012

16. Acknowledgements:
• Elin Gwyn, OMAFRA
• Melissa MacKay, U of Guelph
• Barb Dillingham, OMAFRA
• Duff MacKinnon, OMAFRA
• Helen Hambly Odame, U of Guelph
• All of the creative faculty and collaborators working
on KTT projects!
Thanks for listening and for more information:
bwilton@uoguelph.ca
Dr. Bronwynne Wilton, University of Guelph
Canadian Knowledge Mobilization Forum
Ottawa, ON, June 2012