Research.......... and Knowledge Transfer

Abstract

Transferring new knowledge created through research into teaching is a primary task in any higher education institution. The importance of research knowledge transfer into teaching has been identified and debated by many authors with differing viewpoints ranging from the type of the discipline to types of departments. More insights can be gained by viewing research into teaching as a knowledge transfer process [1]. Knowledge transfer (KT) is a term used to encompass a very broad range of activities to support mutually beneficial collaborations between universities, businesses and the public sector [2]. According to Sexton and Barrett, knowledge transfer is viewed as the movement of knowledge via some channel from one individual or firm to another. In this context, this means movement of research knowledge (research findings, skills or processes) from researchers (be they academics, researchers or practitioners) to students (undergraduates or postgraduates) through teaching and other mediums such as seminars, workshops, conferences and project-based work [3].