Introduction: Knowledge Mobilization - The new research imperative

Hovir can educational research have more impact~ How do we know the depth and scope of the impact it has~ \Vhat processes of knowledge exchange are most effective for increasing the uses of research results? How can researchproduced knmvlcdge be better 'mobilized' among users such as practising educators, policy-makers and the public communities? These sorts of questions, despite their many embedded definitional, philosophical and pragmatic problems, arc commanding urgent attention in educational discourses and research policies no\\r circulating in the UK and Europe, Canada and the USA and Australia and other parts of the world. This attention has been translated into powerful material exercises that shape \vhat is considered to be worthv·,lhile research and hmv research is funded, recognized and assessed. Granting agencies request knmvledge mobilization or knovdedge exchange plans and otTer special funds for these purposes. Researchers and universities arc explicidy directed, in research design and accountability, to emphasize knowledge exchange or mobilization - announced by one funding council as a core priority (SSHRC 2008, 2010)