ABSTRACT

Universities are increasingly expected to produce scientifically robust research that has the propensity to deliver societal benefits. However, disconnect between the production of research in universities and its real-world application is apparent in Africa. Knowledge translation (KT) unlocks the potential of academic research to yield the widest possible benefits to society. We explored the supports and barriers to KT in a single case study of Makerere University using semi-structured interviews with administrators and academic researchers. We corroborated interview data with documents review. Thematic analysis of data revealed comprehensive strategic intent to foster KT through system innovation and system optimization at the institutional level. But, at the disciplinary units, strategy aspirations were out of alignment with actual practice. The traditional linear logic of knowledge transfer remained the defining concept. The nature of research funding, the reward and recognition system, work structure, and weak linkage mechanisms impeded KT endeavours. We conclude that the state of KT at the university was nascent, but core enabling conditions have to be established in the university before KT can take a foothold. We compiled the set of fundamental conditions into a framework of KT enablers that could feed into the future strategic direction of universities in Africa.

摘要

越来越多的大学被期望进行科学稳健的研究，这些研究具有提供社会效益的倾向。然而，大学的研究成果与其实际应用之间的脱节在非洲很明显。知识翻译 (KT) 释放了学术研究的潜力，为社会带来尽可能广泛的利益。我们通过对管理人员和学术研究人员的半结构化访谈，在马凯雷雷大学的单个案例研究中探讨了对 KT 的支持和障碍。我们通过文件审查证实了采访数据。对数据的专题分析揭示了通过制度创新和制度优化促进知识传播的全面战略意图。但是，在学科单位，战略愿望与实际实践不一致。知识转移的传统线性逻辑仍然是定义概念。研究经费的性质、奖励和认可制度、工作结构和薄弱的联系机制阻碍了 KT 的努力。我们得出的结论是，大学的 KT 状态是新生的，但在 KT 站稳脚跟之前，必须在大学中建立核心的有利条件。我们将这组基本条件汇编成一个 KT 推动因素框架，可以为非洲大学的未来战略方向提供支持。但是，在 KT 站稳脚跟之前，必须在大学中建立核心的有利条件。我们将这组基本条件汇编成一个 KT 推动因素框架，可以为非洲大学的未来战略方向提供支持。但是，在 KT 站稳脚跟之前，必须在大学中建立核心的有利条件。我们将这组基本条件汇编成一个 KT 推动因素框架，可以为非洲大学的未来战略方向提供支持。