Summary

The Engaging Scottish Local Authorities (ESLA) programme aimed to increase Knowledge Exchange (KE) between university-based research and local government in Scotland. It did this through five projects which were partnerships between universities and local authorities. The remit of the review was to collate evidence about processes and short-term impacts. Throughout the life of the programme, we engaged regularly with each of the five ESLA project teams to monitor and review their KE activities and achievements. Our approach was to support learning and reflection across the programme and for this reason the review was structured around a set of three learning workshops, in which academic team members, local authority partners and funders participated.

Key Findings

There is much that universities can do to increase Knowledge Exchange. The report draws attention in particular to the importance of ‘knowledge brokers’ (groups or individuals) who mediate between research and users; and to the potential to utilise professional development of partners’ staff as a conduit for KE. Timeliness is also a significant factor. In the context of public services, local impact should not be seen as modest impact.

External Partner:

Professor Irene Hardill, Northumbria University (principal investigator)