By Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin and Yarrow Magdalena

At its heart, knowledge mobilisation is about movement. It is the process of turning knowledge into action, so that ideas, research, and lived experience do not remain static or contained in smaller contexts but instead shape decisions, policies, and everyday practice.

You might also hear this process described as the “knowledge to action” cycle. The meaning is simple, but the work itself can be complex, rewarding and very much dependent on its context. Knowledge can exist in many different forms, and each requires its own pathway to become meaningful in the world.

Academic research might sit within peer-reviewed journals for example, but policy intentions might be outlined in strategy documents. Practical knowledge might live in the day-to-day experience of clinicians, social workers, or community practitioners and often needs support in moving from these spaces into a wider field. All of these forms are valuable, but on their own, they do not create change unless they are circulated into action.

Knowledge Exchange and Research Mobilisation in Practice

When we talk about knowledge exchange and research mobilisation, we are really talking about transformation. Research evidenceA piece of research does not automatically influence policy and a strategy does not implement itself –- both require strategy and intentional effort. Even the most compelling evidence base needs to be interpreted, translated, and applied within specific contexts. This is why knowledge mobilisation is not a single method, but rather a set of approaches that respond to the situation at hand.

For example, research findings might be mobilised by communicating them clearly to policymakers, helping them understand not just the conclusions but their relevance to current priorities for government. In another context, mobilisation might involve collaboration between researchers and practitioners, so that knowledge is adapted to fit real-world problems that need time-sensitive solutionsconstraints. Knowledge mobilisation can also involveIt might also mean co-creating solutions with communities, ensuring that lived experience shapes both understanding and action.

Each of these approaches recognises that knowledge does not move on its own, but that it needs intention, relationships, and care to make an impact.

From Evidence to Action: How Knowledge Shapes Policy and Practice

To understand the value of knowledge mobilisation, it helps to look at how change actually happens. We can imagine a policy commitment to reduce waiting times for a particular medical procedure for example. On paper, this is a clear and measurable goal and it may be supported by strong evidence and detailed planning, yet the real impact of that policy depends on what happens next. It depends on how managers interpret the targets, on how clinicians adjust their practices and on the countless small decisions made every day across the system. In other words, the policy only becomes real through action.

Knowledge mobilisation is what supports this process. It connects the original idea or evidence to the people and systems responsible for enacting it and it ensures that knowledge is not only understood, but also used.

How to Engage with Policymakers: A Guide for Researchers

For many academics, one of the most pressing questions is how to engage with policymakers in a meaningful and effective way. The answer begins with recognising that engagement is not just about sharing findings, but also about understanding context and working towards accessibility. 

Policymakers operate within complex environments shaped by tight timelines, competing priorities, and practical constraints. Research needs to be presented in ways that are accessible, relevant, and timely. This might involve creating concise policy briefs, participating in advisory groups, or building ongoing relationships with policy teams. Very often, it also requires a mindset shift towards multi-way engagement and dialogue.

Researchers bring deep expertise and evidence while policymakers bring insight into implementation and real-world challenges. When these perspectives come together, the result is often more robust, more applicable, and more impactful. This is where structured support can make a significant difference.

Policy Engagement Support for Universities

Universities are increasingly recognising the importance of policy engagement, both as a pathway to impact and as a core part of their public mission. However, engaging with policy is not always straightforward because it requires time, skills, and connections that may sit outside traditional academic training.

This is where dedicated support becomes essential. Policy engagement support for universities can include training, tailored advice, and opportunities to connect with policymakers and practitioners. It can help researchers understand how to communicate their work effectively, navigate policy environments, and identify the right moments for engagement. At its best, this support does not just amplify individual projects, but also strengthens the overall capacity of institutions to contribute to policy and practice.

Why Universities Partner with SPRE

The Scottish Policy and Research Exchange exists to support exactly this kind of work.

By bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, SPRE creates spaces where knowledge can move more freely and more effectively. It offers practical resources, training opportunities, and a network of connections that help bridge the gap between research and policy.

For universities, partnering with SPRE means gaining access to expertise in knowledge exchange and research mobilisation. It means supporting academics to develop the skills and confidence needed to engage with policy and it means contributing to a wider ecosystem that values collaboration, shared learning, and real-world impact.

Knowledge Mobilisation as a Dynamic Practice

One of the most powerful aspects of knowledge mobilisation is its dynamism. Done well, it shows us what we do with what we know. It is about how ideas evolve as they move between contexts, and how they are reshaped through interaction and application. 

At times, this process can feel challenging and it often involves working at the edges of existing knowledge and practice. It requires experimentation, adaptation, and a willingness to engage with complexity – this is where meaningful change happens.

Knowledge mobilisation turns insight into action, it connects people and ideas. Ultimately, it is what allows research and experience to make a tangible impact difference in the world.