Knowledge transfer in regeneration: Is it feasible and can the community benefit?

Abstract

This paper looks critically at the operation of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership involving the University of Liverpool, UK, and a Merseyside-based housing association. The initial objective of the Partnership was to develop new knowledge to be ‘transferred’ from academia to the organisation involved in local regeneration, and thus from the organisation to the community. The initiative took place in Anfield and Breckfield, North Liverpool, and, as it evolved, a number of aspects became apparent. First, the ideals of knowledge transfer, held in the sense of action research being initiated, helped to scope the project. Second, rather than a transfer of knowledge taking place, what happened was the co-construction of regeneration knowledge with no particular constituency taking the lead role, but all enabled through the project. Third, it was evident that the users of this new knowledge would exercise their respective authority in different ways, and this became key to understanding how knowledge transfer in regeneration is feasible and how the community might benefit.