Refreshing our Research Utilisation directions

In November 2010 our end user agencies participated in a survey about research utilisation; about how their agencies were set up to deal with research from the Bushfire CRC, about their use of the tools and mechanisms that we had developed and also about potential barriers to the utilisation of research.

Responses came from 148 people from a range of agencies, and the results have now been analysed.  The analysis has revealed some key components of research utilisation that can be strengthened.  These areas are

·         Relationships and partnerships

·         Engagement and active involvement

·         A responsive and learning culture within agencies

·         Development of high quality and targeted products and

·         Working on the forming of meaning.

The survey also revealed that the most significant barrier to the utilisation of research were those within agencies.  Whilst the Bushfire CRC office, and AFAC, can support the broad directions outlined above, there is room for improvement within the organisations that can most benefit from the research. 

So, I know that there are innovative approaches to research utilisation within agencies – I invite you to share them so that others can learn from your experiences.  I am now looking for your good news stories!