cdkn-20role-20of-20knowledge-20brokers_web-9908e1de147c4e87.pdf

This CDKN Essentials fact sheet defines climate knowledge brokering as the process of linking knowledge producers and users to move knowledge into action. It outlines a spectrum of roles for brokers—ranging from informational support to systemic innovation—and argues that the urgency of the climate crisis requires a shift toward innovation brokering to address power dynamics, governance, and political contexts.

• Knowledge brokering is defined as the process of moving knowledge into action by linking producers and users to facilitate the generation, dissemination, and use of that knowledge. This activity exists on a spectrum consisting of four primary roles: - Infomediaries: who "guide stakeholders to access, identify and filter information" by aggregating it. - Knowledge translators: who "synthesise, tailor and package information into accessible language and formats" for specific audiences. - Knowledge co-creators: who connect stakeholders to "facilitate collaboration and the process of collectively making sense of, generating and facilitating the use of knowledge in decision-making." - Innovation brokers: who aim for "systemic change," such as reorganising institutional practices or addressing gaps in legislation, markets, and infrastructure.
• Effective climate knowledge brokering requires integrating diverse knowledge types, including western scientific knowledge, experiential applied knowledge from practitioners, and traditional tacit knowledge from Indigenous communities and local stakeholders. The document emphasizes that creating "inclusive, safe spaces" for these holders is essential for sustainable action.
• Due to the scale and urgency of the climate crisis, the document argues that knowledge brokering must move beyond simply making information accessible and shift toward "innovation brokering." This involves navigating complex social and political challenges, including limited political will, institutional fragmentation, and power imbalances, while acting as a "facilitator of change" to strengthen networks and ensure climate-resilient decisions.
• In Namibia, the University of Namibia and partners implemented a knowledge brokering approach to address the impacts of temperature changes of 1.5°C and higher. Their activities included capacity strengthening for government officials, journalists, and the public via radio; building partnerships with parliamentarians and ministries; using participatory tools for stakeholder engagement; and creating platforms to bridge sectoral silos.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (n.d.). cdkn-20role-20of-20knowledge-20brokers_web-9908e1de147c4e87.pdf. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/CDKN%20Role%20of%20knowledge%20brokers_WEB.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. cdkn-20role-20of-20knowledge-20brokers_web-9908e1de147c4e87.pdf. n.d. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/CDKN%20Role%20of%20knowledge%20brokers_WEB.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=cdkn-20role-20of-20knowledge-20brokers_web-9908e1de147c4e87.pdf |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/CDKN%20Role%20of%20knowledge%20brokers_WEB.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetworkndcdkn20role20of20knowledge20brokersweb9908e1de147c4e87pdf, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{cdkn-20role-20of-20knowledge-20brokers\_web-9908e1de147c4e87.pdf}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/CDKN%20Role%20of%20knowledge%20brokers_WEB.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }