Knowledge exchange interventions are an important driver of research impact. This study examines 5 years of intensive knowledge-exchange ‘reform labs’ in the field of education policy. Using qualitative analysis and a regression analysis approach applied to rich case data and quantitative results, we find that the reform labs have a significant impact on both participants and their reform projects in the short-term immediately after the event and in the medium term up to 5 years later. We also find evidence that the impact on individuals and projects drives broader social impact. We take a holistic approach to the knowledge brokerage of designing the reform labs and find that across contexts and project phases, but highly costly. In comparing the reform labs to best practices identified in the literature, we find evidence that knowledge exchange interventions of longer duration, with case-focused teamwork, and involving intensive researcher–participant interaction are more impactful. Additionally, we observe that diverse participants can drive impact and their needs must be considered.

中文翻译：

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研究与现实世界：分析知识转移的短期和长期影响

知识交流干预是研究影响的重要驱动力。本研究考察了教育政策领域 5 年密集的知识交流“改革实验室”。通过对丰富的案例数据和定量结果应用定性分析和回归分析方法，我们发现改革实验室在事件发生后的短期内和中期直至5年后。我们还发现证据表明，对个人和项目的影响推动了更广泛的社会影响。我们对设计改革实验室的知识中介采取整体方法，发现跨环境和项目阶段，但成本很高。在将改革实验室与文献中确定的最佳实践进行比较时，我们发现证据表明，持续时间较长的知识交流干预、以案例为中心的团队合作以及涉及深入的研究人员-参与者互动的影响更大。此外，我们观察到不同的参与者可以产生影响，因此必须考虑他们的需求。