Exploring the Potential of a Knowledge Network for Rural Ontario

At the Rural Research Day organized by the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in April 2014, Dr. Al Lauzon shared his vision for a rural knowledge network.  "The idea goes back to the Ontario Rural Council (TORC) (2007) which highlighted the need to inform policy by facilitating connections between policy-makers, researchers, and communities" said Dr. Lauzon. Since then, his vision has taken the form of an exploratory project. In partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute and with financial support from a Knowledge Translation and Transfer Research Grant, the Knowledge Networks Project is assessing the potential of a knowledge network in Ontario.

To date, an environmental scan and a literature review have been conducted. In light of the findings, the vision of the network has shifted from a "knowledge network" towards a "generative network" that goes beyond exchanging information between stakeholders towards co-constructing knowledge with stakeholders. In addition, research took Dr. Lauzon to visit the Harris Centre in Memorial University of Newfoundland. This trip cemented the importance of resources and human capital in the formation of a successful knowledge network. 

Up ahead for the project are a series of key informant interviews and focus groups to assess the need for the network and to draw out what the network would look like if it were to manifest. At the end of the two-year term of the Project, an informed decision will be made regarding the viability of a rural knowledge network in Ontario. 

Dr. Al Lauzon pictured at the Arboretum at the University of Guelph. Photo Credit: University of Guelph.

Dr. Lauzon believes that this research is important because "it is framed in the larger context of the shift from government to governance and place-based policy making". "The project," he asserts "highlights the role of government as enabler in developing capacity." In addition, the project weaves into its fabric the importance of relationships in the rural context. The ultimate goal of the project is to make available community-driven research and have the mechanisms in place to drive policy from the grassroots.