Capacity development for knowledge mobilization: a scoping review of the concepts and practices

Abstract There is a growing emphasis worldwide on the use of knowledge mobilization (KMb) to improve policies and practices with latest research evidence. This calls upon producers (e.g., university researchers) produce more relevant evidence, users practitioners) access apply However, doing KMb can be challenging for these groups without effective support training. Therefore, individuals organizations are undertaking capacity development interventions facilitate process structures, skills, incentives. Despite its recognized importance, theoretical evidence practical guidance scattered across disciplines practices. To address this, we conducted scoping review study current concepts identify significant gaps. One-thousand six-hundred thirty records were gathered, 105 peer-reviewed gray literature documents from 2010 2020 reviewed. Two reviewers worked independently in screening records, one researcher analyzed retained documents. The analysis reveals that multidimensional multiscalar concept practice diverse range initiators, initiatives, beneficiaries. also reports three thematic areas significance emerging literature, namely: (a) individuals’ organizations’ challenges supporting KMb, (b) capacities supports deemed needed (c) strategies being used delivering development. Furthermore, this identifies gaps related aspects (i.e., planning), initiatives undertaken developing country contexts, results formal evaluations capacity-building effectiveness.