160 likes | 457 Views
Knowledge Transfer >. What is knowledge transfer? Some background and definitions Ms Brooke Young, Economics & Commerce Why knowledge transfer is important in a university context Dr Ross Coller, Science What we can do to facilitate knowledge transfer, what is our role?
E N D
Knowledge Transfer> What is knowledge transfer? Some background and definitions Ms Brooke Young, Economics & Commerce Why knowledge transfer is important in a university context Dr Ross Coller, Science What we can do to facilitate knowledge transfer, what is our role? Ms Teresa Tjia, School of Graduate Studies
What is knowledge transfer? Background> We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Buddha, founder of Buddhism Inaugural Conference: Knowledge Transfer and Engagement: Examining higher education’s contribution to the knowledge economy
University of Melbourne’s definition > Knowledge transfer is a direct, two-way interaction between the University and its external communities, involving the development, exchange and application of knowledge and expertise for mutual benefit. University of Melbourne, Growing Esteem Strategic Plan 2006
Criteria? - Development of knowledge - Exchange of knowledge - Application of knowledge Knowledge transfer: Some examples> Making medical curriculum available to an overseas partner Commercialising research International student exchange Young alumni function held at accounting firm Fundraising for a new building Expert comment in the media Conferences Concert or art exhibition KPMG and University of Melbourne jointly develop and deliver short course on treasury management Lectures on campus for VCE students and their teachers
Knowledge Transfer Process> • Research • - Knowledge generation • Publish • - Peer review as quality check • Develop • - End user materials • Disseminate • - Teaching, conferences, workshops • Evaluate • - Adoption, impact
Knowledge Transfer Process > Relationship building Information flow (2 way) Market Orientation Material Flows($, contracts, seminar) Opportunity recognition
Knowledge Transfer Drivers> • The meaning of a University? • Our values, culture and history • Benefits to society • Relevance • Reduced government funding • International numbers flat • Reputation • Increasing competition • Development of ranking
Are we doing it already? > Role of academic staff and departments • Third strand of activity – research, teaching and/or public engagement • Planned, strategic and recognised: complements research & teaching activities, skills sets of staff, and evaluated • Change of mindset for all activities: research and teaching
New Areas? > • Addressing questions faced by the community • - Applied research and consultancies • Public discourse and media presence • Serving on external boards • An expectation of students
Knowledge Transfer: Good practice examples> What does your university do in this area? What are the barriers (challenges)? What can it do more of(opportunities)?
Resourcing Knowledge Transfer> ‘Can universities expect support for their ‘third mission’ activities?’ Knowledge Transfer & Engagement Forum June 2006 Government, Community, Philanthropy, Internal funds?
Measuring outcomes> How do we evaluate the outcomes – putting tangible values on intangibles Quantitative: media presence; projects/funding; active students and staff Qualitative: staff, student and community attitudes; graduate attributes; increased relevance; goodwill and respect; being close to ‘customers’
Questions? > Brooke Young, byoung@unimelb.edu.au Ross Coller, r.coller@unimelb.edu.au Teresa Tjia, t.tjia@unimelb.edu.au