Approaches to Knowledge-Brokering

This briefing paper, written by Geoffrey Oldham and Rob McLean for the International Institute for Sustainable Development, explores the concept of 'knowledge-brokering' as a strategic opportunity for Canada. It provides theoretical frameworks to define the practice, analyzes the organizational capabilities required to implement it, and suggests collaborative models for Canadian organizations to enhance their role in international development through the strategic management of knowledge.

• The 'Strong Report' (Connecting with the World) positioned knowledge-brokering as a strategic advantage for Canada, citing the country's history in international coordination, goodwill, and communications expertise. The report suggests that development is being redefined by the ability to generate, acquire, disseminate, and employ both modern and traditional knowledge.
• The authors propose three frameworks to categorize knowledge-brokering: a 'Knowledge system framework' focusing on the national processes of creating, acquiring, assimilating, using, and disseminating knowledge; a 'Transactional framework' focusing on the interface between knowledge 'creators' (e.g., universities) and 'users' (e.g., governments); and a 'Social change framework' focusing on enhancing knowledge access for the general population to drive positive social outcomes.
• Within the transactional framework, the authors distinguish between different roles: 'Distributors' disseminate knowledge; 'Integrators' interpret knowledge for specific users; 'Intermediaries' link users to creators without their own delivery capability; and 'Brokers' earn revenue based on the value exchanged in a transaction.
• A pilot project conducted by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the International Federation of Institutes for Advanced Study (IFIAS) aims to test knowledge-brokering services, including multi-client research projects and Internet-based information services, to promote more equitable participation between developed and developing country institutions.
• The authors identify significant organizational challenges in transitioning to knowledge-brokering, noting that traditional research-focused organizations lack the marketing skills and relationships with 'users' necessary for the role. They suggest that it may be necessary to 'spin-off a separate organization' to handle these activities.
• The document argues that knowledge-brokering must be an active, human-centric process of interaction rather than a passive act of packaging information on the Internet.
• The authors suggest that Canada could lead international projects based on its specific expertise in health policy (efficient insurance systems), fuel-cell based energy systems, and 'learnware' (multimedia educational software).

APA

Oldham, G., & McLean, R. (1997). Approaches to Knowledge-Brokering. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_knowledge_brokering.pdf

Chicago

Oldham, Geoffrey, and Rob McLean. Approaches to Knowledge-Brokering. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 1997. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_knowledge_brokering.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Oldham |first1=Geoffrey |last2=McLean |first2=Rob |title=Approaches to Knowledge-Brokering |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=May 1997 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_knowledge_brokering.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{oldham1997approaches, author = {Oldham, Geoffrey and McLean, Rob}, title = {{Approaches to Knowledge-Brokering}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {1997}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/networks_knowledge_brokering.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }