Expanding our understanding of K*

K* is the collective term for the set of functions and processes at the various interfaces between knowledge, practice, and policy. K* improves the ways in which knowledge is shared and applied; improving processes already in place to bring about more effective and sustainable change.
There are a great many terms used to depict knowledge sharing activities. Terms such as knowledge brokering, knowledge translating, knowledge exchange, and knowledge mobilization are all used extensively, but the different terminology has hidden the fact that the actual functions they describe are all systemically related to each other. We need a broader concept that includes all the functions but recognizes their differences. In April 2012, a conference hosted by the United Nations University – Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) in Hamilton, Canada, brought together people from different geographies and different sectors who represented these different functions. The aim of the conference was to discuss their similarities and differences in the context of improving knowledge use in policy, industry and practice. K* (KStar) has been coined as the overarching concept, and as a useful shorthand.
No common language exists for K* practitioners to talk to each other across their different functions, sectors and geographies. The conference demonstrated that not only was this possible but it improved the sharing of experience and lessons. The concept paper sets out the core concept of K* and the principles shared by all its component functions and processes. It also describes a framework for thinking about K*, which will make sharing approaches and lessons learned easier.