This report shows how knowledge brokering can facilitate better research-practice collaboration and provide opportunities for enhancing public sector reform in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Knowledge brokering works to close the gap between research and practice by connecting researchers with government to drive the translation, transfer and mobilisation of research evidence into practice. 

The report provides advice on how a range of mechanisms and good practice principles can be implemented to help establish better research-practice collaborations. It looks at the wide-ranging work of knowledge brokers and their potential to support programs of public sector reform in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

It includes a review of the international knowledge brokering literature and analysis of key themes emerging from 24 interviews with professionals engaged in knowledge brokering activities. Participants reflect on their experiences in managing research-practice relationships and the relative benefits and effectiveness of different approaches.

The research identified four key themes on the function and practices of knowledge brokering and establishing better research-practice collaborations, including creating the conditions for collaboration.