The Internal-External Dynamic: Using Research to Inform Government Policy about Poverty in Canada

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe integrated knowledge translation (iKT) partners’ experiences with moving knowledge to action within government. In this study, iKT partners emerged from government, academic, and community settings with a shared interest in making changes to policies, programs, and services that would benefit families in poverty.

Methods: Interview data were generated with 23 iKT partners who worked within or close to municipal and provincial governments. Partners were asked about how to use research findings to draw attention to and make needed changes within government. Qualitative description was used to answer our research question. An iterative and inductive process of coding, categorizing, and theming characterized our analysis.

Results: Partners described how bureaucracy stymied change as well as how bureaucratic barriers could be overcome. In particular, partners described how to create opportunities for research use through an internal-external dynamic/dance, wherein research is strategically poised to address current political priorities. The value-laden nature of poverty also has implications for research use.

Conclusion: An interplay of public engagement and socially accountable partnerships are needed to drive change within government. The broad shift in academia to engage with community and government partners warrants further discussion.