Scientific knowledge mobilization for public decision-making: challenges, mechanisms, and opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71068/ss000053Keywords:
knowledge mobilization, public decision-making, evidence use, public policy, science-policy interfaceAbstract
Introduction: Scientific knowledge mobilization seeks to reduce the gap between evidence production and its use in public decisions. This process is particularly relevant when governments face complex problems, time pressure, uncertainty, and social demands that require transparent and defensible responses. Method: A narrative review of Scopus-indexed literature published from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. The structured search included terms related to knowledge mobilization, knowledge translation, evidence-informed policy, science-policy interface, and knowledge brokers. Articles with a DOI and direct relevance to the interaction between research and public policy were prioritized. The synthesis examined brokering, co-production, institutional capacity, communication, and conditions affecting evidence use. Results: The literature showed that stable relationships between researchers and decision-makers, knowledge-broker roles, concise syntheses linked to policy windows, and co-production facilitate evidence use. Major barriers included institutional fragmentation, limited capacity to assess applicability, time pressure, and communication that was poorly adapted to public-sector users. Trust, continuity of networks, and explicit roles were also associated with stronger uptake and more sustained interaction between scientific and policy communities. Conclusions: Knowledge mobilization is more effective when it becomes institutionalized through capabilities, relationships, and feedback procedures. Disseminating publications alone is insufficient; organizations need mechanisms that translate evidence without hiding uncertainty, connect relevant actors, and align scientific products with concrete decision needs while preserving analytical independence.
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