Evaluating the impact of knowledge brokering practices: Learning from embedded impact research at the Wales Centre for Public Policy

Abstract

The emergence and proliferation of knowledge brokering organisations (KBOs) as a mechanism for bridging the gap between research and policy has led to a range of studies analysing various aspects of their form and activity. However, methodological, conceptual, and practical challenges have until recently prohibited evaluation of the impact of KBOs. This has led to calls for studies to examine the multifaceted impact of KBOs, and for organisations themselves to take an active role in planning for and capturing their own impact. This paper contributes towards this agenda by describing and reflecting on the work of a KBO—the Wales Centre for Public Policy—to plan for and evaluate the impact of its knowledge brokering activities through the introduction of an Embedded Impact Researcher (EIR). A description of the EIR role is provided, followed by three reflections and recommendations from its implementation for similar organisations looking to capture their own impact. First, we argue for the development of better models of the knowledge brokering process. Second, the potential for ‘mechanistic’ thinking to aid the process of impact planning is explored. Third, the nature of, and tensions associated with, ‘embedded’ research are discussed. It is anticipated that by sharing these experiences, researchers and practitioners may identify transferable elements that may inform their own work.