Knowledge and innovation management in the policy debate on biofuel sustainability in Mozambique: what roles for researchers?

This paper explores the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and innovation management (IM) in policy processes. By describing and analysing the roles of researchers as knowledge and innovation managers in policy processes we also contribute to the debate on how researchers can enhance their effective contribution to policy processes. Empirical data for the paper were gathered between December 2008 and November 2010. During that period, two of this paper's authors conducted participatory action research whilst supporting the Mozambican inter-ministerial Subgroup Sustainability Criteria in developing a sustainability framework for biofuel production in Mozambique. We conclude that KM and IM are mutually reinforcing and inextricably bound: KM can provide the basis for engaging in IM activities or roles, which may -- consequently -- create an enabling environment for more effective KM in policy processes. The active embedding of researchers in policy processes an action-oriented research approach and systematic reflection can enable researchers to continuously determine what (combination of) KM and IM strategies or roles can enhance the actionability of research in, and the quality of the policy process. To do so successfully, a process-based research approach and strategic management of the boundary between research and policy are key.

[1]  Marc Schut,et al.  Space for innovation for sustainable community-based biofuel production and use: Lessons learned for policy from Nhambita community, Mozambique , 2011 .

[2]  J. van den Berg,et al.  Knowledge in action: the search for collaborative research for sustainable landscape development. , 2011 .

[3]  M. Schut,et al.  Reflexivity in action research: two spatial planning cases , 2011 .

[4]  Mirta Amalia,et al.  An innovation perspective of knowledge management in a multinational subsidiary , 2011, J. Knowl. Manag..

[5]  Marleen Huysman,et al.  Knowledge Management in Practice: Pitfalls and Potentials for Development , 2010 .

[6]  Lorenzo Di Lucia.  External governance and the EU policy for sustainable biofuels, the case of Mozambique , 2010 .

[7]  Marc Schut,et al.  Room for the River: Room for Research? The case of depoldering De Noordwaard, the Netherlands , 2010 .

[8]  M. Schut,et al.  Biofuel developments in Mozambique. Update and analysis of policy, potential and reality , 2010 .

[9]  C. Leeuwis,et al.  Adaptive management in agricultural innovation systems: The interactions between innovation networks and their environment , 2010 .

[10]  B. Kiteme,et al.  Researchers' roles in knowledge co-production: experience from sustainability research in Kenya, Switzerland, Bolivia and Nepal , 2010 .

[11]  A. Hall,et al.  What do complex adaptive systems look like and what are the implications for innovation policy , 2010 .

[12]  Marc Schut,et al.  Working towards sustainability : learning experiences for sustainable biofuel strategies in Mozambique , 2010 .

[13]  Sofala Province.  Assessing the potential of bio-energy production in smallholder farming systems The case of Nhambita community , 2010 .

[14]  Marc Schut,et al.  Summary: Assessing the potential of bio-energy production in smallholder farming systems: The case of Nhambita community , 2010 .

[15]  Annette Boaz,et al.  Assessing the impact of research on policy: a literature review , 2009 .

[16]  Holger Meinke,et al.  The interface between land use systems research and policy: multiple arrangements and leverages. , 2009 .

[17]  Delia Grace,et al.  Linking international agricultural research knowledge with action for sustainable development , 2009, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[18]  Anne-Grete Sandaunet,et al.  The dual role of the action researcher. , 2009, Evaluation and program planning.

[19]  Bart van den Hooff,et al.  Managing knowledge sharing: Emergent and engineering approaches , 2009, Inf. Manag..

[20]  C. Leeuwis,et al.  Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Capacity: Are Innovation Brokers the Answer? , 2009 .

[21]  Peter Frost,et al.  Competing Claims on Natural Resources: What Role for Science? , 2008 .

[22]  Christer Nilsson,et al.  Linking Flow Regime and Water Quality in Rivers: a Challenge to Adaptive Catchment Management , 2008 .

[23]  Kingo Mchombu,et al.  Management of knowledge for development: meta-review and scoping study , 2008 .

[24]  Ronald E. Doel,et al.  :The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics , 2008 .

[25]  Frank Hartwich,et al.  Knowledge management for agricultural innovation: lessons from networking efforts in the Bolivian Agricultural Technology System , 2008 .

[26]  L. Klerkx.  Matching demand and supply in the Dutch agricultural knowledge infrastructure : the emergence and embedding of new intermediaries in an agricultural innovation system in transition , 2008 .

[27]  Erik-Hans Klijn,et al.  Managing knowledge in policy networks. Organising joint fact-finding in the Scheldt Estuary. , 2007 .

[28]  Stefan Kuhlmann,et al.  Functions of innovation systems: A new approach for analysing technological change , 2007 .

[29]  Louis Lebel,et al.  Guest Editorial, part of a Special Feature on Scale and Cross-scale Dynamics Scale and Cross-Scale Dynamics: Governance and Information in a Multilevel World , 2006 .

[30]  A. Kinzig,et al.  Guest Editorial, part of a Special Feature on Exploring Resilience in Social-Ecological Systems Exploring Resilience in Social-Ecological Systems Through Comparative Studies and Theory Development: Introduction to the Special Issue , 2006 .

[31]  M. Wijk,et al.  Competing claims on natural resources: overcoming mismatches in resource use through a multi-scale perpective. , 2006 .

[32]  Andrew Hall,et al.  Enhancing agricultural innovation : how to go beyond the strengthening of research systems , 2006 .

[33]  M. Waithaka.  Communication for rural innovation: rethinking agricultural extension , 2005 .

[34]  V. Gilsing,et al.  A system failure framework for innovation policy design , 2005 .

[35]  Robert Hoppe,et al.  Rethinking the science-policy nexus: from knowledge utilization and science technology studies to types of boundary arrangements , 2005, Poiesis Prax..

[36]  R. Smits,et al.  The rise of systemic instruments in innovation policy , 2004 .

[37]  C. Leeuwis,et al.  Communication for Rural Innovation , 2004 .

[38]  D. Lach,et al.  The role of scientists in the environmental policy process: a case study from the American west , 2004 .

[39]  Andrew Hall,et al.  From measuring impact to learning institutional lessons: an innovation systems perspective on improving the management of international agricultural research , 2003 .

[40]  David W. Cash,et al.  Knowledge systems for sustainable development , 2003, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

[41]  S. Ottosson.  Participation action research-: A key to improved knowledge of management , 2003 .

[42]  Jurian Edelenbos,et al.  A double helix approach: a proposal to forge a better integration of analysis and process in policy development , 2003 .

[43]  R. Smits.  Innovation studies in the 21st century , 2002 .

[44]  David Snowden,et al.  The First Age: Information for Decision Support 1995: the Transition to the Second Age Complex Acts of Knowing: Paradox and Descriptive Self-awareness , 2022 .

[45]  M. Alvesson,et al.  Odd Couple: Making Sense of the Curious Concept of Knowledge Management , 2001 .

[46]  Cees Leeuwis,et al.  Reconceptualizing Participation for Sustainable Rural Development: Towards a Negotiation Approach , 2000 .

[47]  R. I. Veld,et al.  Willingly and knowingly : the roles of knowledge about nature and the environment in policy processes , 2000 .

[48]  Sue Newell,et al.  Knowledge management and innovation: networks and networking , 1999, J. Knowl. Manag..

[49]  S. Funtowicz,et al.  Information tools for environmental policy under conditions of complexity , 1999 .

[50]  P. Quintas,et al.  Knowledge management: A strategic agenda , 1997 .

[51]  S. Schwartzman,et al.  The New Production of Knowledge: The Dynamics of Science and Research in Contemporary Societies , 1994 .

[52]  R. Andersen,et al.  The Fifth Branch: Science Advisors as Policymakers , 1991 .

[53]  S. Jasanoff,et al.  The Fifth Branch: Science Advisers as Policymakers. , 1991 .

[54]  K. Lewin.  Action Research and Minority Problems , 1946 .