Knowledge Transfer between Researchers and Practitioners

Abstract

This study assesses the knowledge transfer process in the natural hazards and disasters field. The study includes 78 interviews with a diverse sample of hazards professionals. How information travels—or does not travel—from academic researchers to practitioners in the field is analyzed using these interview data, and four conceptual categories emerged concerning factors affecting the knowledge transfer process. These categories are (1) culture; (2) institutions; (3) links; and (4) interaction. This article discusses each of these factors and concludes with several recommendations to improve knowledge transfer in the hazards field.