The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) captures a panoply of processes that we call knowledge exchange.
It is a light touch, data based, cluster of knowledge exchange activity producing framework which is useful in reflecting practice but less useful in telling the world about what universities are doing.
Research England has brought out its Review of knowledge exchange funding decisions and implementation plan. The document states that while there is general confidence in KEF Research England has recognised the opportunity for changes to methods, data collection, metrics, evidence and funding of knowledge exchange activity.
In looking at the basis of knowledge exchange in this way Research England has brought the debate on the funding of knowledge exchange to a head. If the problem with the KEF is that it’s not as visible as it could be, and the goal of the government is to encourage knowledge exchange activity, then funding KEF seems like the obvious solution.
