How can we establish more successful knowledge networks in developing countries? Lessons learnt from knowledge networks
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RESEARCH
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How can we establish more successful knowledge networks in developing countries? Lessons learnt from knowledge networks in Iran Bahareh Yazdizadeh1*, Reza Majdzadeh2, Ali Alami3 and Sima Amrolalaei1
Abstract Background: Formal knowledge networks are considered among the solutions for strengthening knowledge translation and one of the elements of innovative systems in developing and developed countries. In the year 2000, knowledge networks were established in Iran’s health system to organize, lead, empower, and coordinate efforts made by health-related research centers in the country. Since the assessment of a knowledge network is one of the main requirements for its success, the current study was designed in two qualitative and quantitative sections to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the established knowledge networks and to assess their efficiency. Methods: In the qualitative section, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were held with network directors and secretaries. The interviews were analyzed through the framework approach. To analyze effectiveness, social network analysis approach was used. That is, by considering the networks’ research council members as ‘nodes’, and the numbers of their joint articles - before and after the network establishments - as ‘relations or ties’, indices of density, clique, and centrality were calculated for each network. In the qualitative section, non-transparency of management, lack of goals, administrative problems were among the most prevalent issues observed. Results: Currently, the most important challenges are the policies related to them and their management. In the quantitative section, we observed that density and clique indices had risen for some networks; however, the centrality index for the same networks was not as high. Consequently the attribution of density and clique indices to these networks was not possible. Conclusion: Therefore, consolidating and revising policies relevant to the networks and preparing a guide for establishing managing networks could prove helpful. To develop knowledge and technology in a country, networks need to solve the problems they face in management and governance. That is, the first step towards the realization of true knowledge networks in health system. Keywords: Knowledge network, Evaluation, Health management organization, Iran
Background knowledge networks include a group of professional organizations that work on a common subject to strengthen each other’s research and communication capacities, share their knowledge base, and identify solutions which can satisfy national and international decision makers’ needs. The most significant advantage of formal knowledge networks, in comparison with other knowledge networks, is their influence on decision-making individuals and/or * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, No 1547, North Karegar St, Enghelab Ave, Tehran, Iran Full list of author information is available at the
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