Knowledge Transfer

From Evidence to Action: Optimising Impact Through Knowledge Transfer

As policymakers face increasingly complex environmental and societal challenges, the need for timely, relevant and actionable evidence continues to grow. At ERINN Innovation, we believe that impact can be accelerated by taking a deliberate and systematic approach to connecting research with decision-making, one that recognises the realities of policy processes as well as the practical barriers to uptake. Ahead of our upcoming EARMA conference presentation on optimising research to policy impact, this article outlines our approach to Knowledge Transfer and reflects on insights from a contract with Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Why Research-to-Policy Impact Remains a Challenge Across Europe and beyond, investment in research is increasing, alongside expectations that this will deliver tangible benefits for society. In practice, the pathway from research to policy is rarely linear. Research outputs are often highly technical and difficult to use outside specialist communities. They can be produced on timelines misaligned with policy cycles or are insufficiently framed around the specific questions policymakers are facing. Meanwhile, policy environments are shaped by shifting priorities, legislative timelines, external events and capacity constraints. Bridging this gap requires active knowledge brokerage, an understanding of context and a clear view of when and how research can be most useful. Our Knowledge Transfer Methodology ERINN Innovation has spent over a decade developing and refining a replicable methodology designed to support the uptake of research across policy, industry and practice. At its core, the approach recognises that impact is a process, not an event. Our methodology follows a stepwise structure: Prioritisation. Needs are mapped to portfolios to identify where there is opportunity and readiness for uptake, ensuring effort is focused where impact is most feasible. Collection. Discrete, solutions‑oriented units of knowledge are captured from research projects in a concise format, clarifying what the knowledge can inform and for whom. Analysis. The knowledge is reviewed with experts from policy, science and end‑user communities to assess relevance, readiness and define realistic pathways to impact. Transfer. Targeted activities are deployed to move knowledge along its pathway (e.g., briefings, tailored materials) with progress tracked to adapt when needed. This methodology can be applied to individual projects, thematic portfolios, or embedded within organisational processes to support longer‑term impact capability. Knowledge Transfer at Scale through EPA-IMPACT The EPA‑IMPACT project (2021–2025) provided a unique opportunity to implement this methodology at scale within Ireland’s environmental research and policy landscape. Commissioned by the EPA, the project aimed to accelerate the uptake of EPA‑funded research into policy and regulatory processes while building internal capacity for sustained Knowledge Transfer. Over four years, we worked closely with EPA staff, researchers and policy actors to: Map over 200 research projects to 53 Irish environmental policies Capture 91 actionable Knowledge Outputs from EPA‑funded research Engage more than 120 policy and subject‑matter experts in analysis activities Develop 35 tailored pathways to impact, supported by targeted communication assets EPA‑IMPACT placed a strong emphasis on embedding Knowledge Transfer principles within the EPA’s Research Programme. Training was delivered to over 260 researchers and research managers and bespoke resources were developed to support implementation beyond the project lifetime. Key Learnings from Transferring Research to Policy These experiences reinforce several principles that are central to effective research‑to‑policy impact: Plan early. Understanding policy needs and potential users from the outset increases the likelihood that research will be ready when decisions need to be made. Invest in relationships. Trusted connections between researchers, intermediaries and policymakers enable timely engagement and more meaningful exchange. Prioritise translation. Knowledge must be framed in ways that make sense to decision‑makers, with a clear articulation of practical relevance. Remain flexible. Policy priorities evolve, and effective Knowledge Transfer requires agility alongside robust preparation. Track impact deliberately. Progress and outcomes need to be captured, not assumed, to demonstrate value and inform future investment. Looking Ahead: Embedding Impact in Research Systems As expectations around research impact continue to grow, there is increasing recognition that Knowledge Transfer should be embedded across the research lifecycle, from programme design to project delivery and beyond. At ERINN Innovation, we work with funders, policymakers, researchers and project teams to integrate these practices in ways that are practical, proportionate and fit for purpose. Our experience shows that when Knowledge Transfer is systematic, collaborative and well‑resourced, research can move more effectively from evidence to action. We look forward to sharing further reflections at the upcoming EARMA conference, and to continue the conversation on how we can better can better support policy, practice and societal outcomes. Catch ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager Eva Greene speaking at EARMA 2026 on Thursday morning at 11:00 CET. Explore our Knowledge Transfer & Impact Service.

CAP Network Ireland – Transferring Innovative Agricultural Knowledge

The CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub is delivering a targeted initiative to collect and transfer impactful knowledge with Irish farmers, rural communities and other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector. At the core of this effort are three thematic pilots focused on Horticulture, Organics, and Irish European Innovation Projects (EIP-AGRI), designed to find impactful solutions to the unique challenges within these sectors. Led by ERINN Innovation, the purpose of the Innovation Hub is to foster innovation, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote knowledge exchange across the agricultural landscape. The thematic pilots are a key part of this strategy, looking to source and transfer valuable knowledge from across Europe to those who need it most in Ireland. The Horticulture pilot is guided by the National Strategy for Horticulture 2023-2027, while the Organics pilot aligns with the National Organic Strategy 2024-2030. Utilising ERINN Innovation’s KT Methodology The Innovation Hub employs a robust, step-wise Knowledge Transfer (KT) methodology that is needs-driven and focused on creating real-world impact: Mining & Collection: The phase involved mapping the specific needs and challenges of the Irish horticulture and organic sectors and relevant past EIP-AGRI projects. The team then used this information to guide a focused search for innovative solutions and knowledge to key challenges, capturing them as individual ‘Knowledge Outputs’ (KOs). This was done with structured interviews with project owners and coordinators across Ireland and Europe. Analysis: Once collected, these KOs were analysed by experts from industry, academia, and government bodies including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). This phase involved prioritising the KOs that have the highest potential for the Irish sector and mapping out the steps to impact. Transfer: The final phase in the process targets action. For each prioritised KO, the Hub will develop a bespoke transfer plan, outlining target users, key actions that need to take place, such as workshops or factsheet development, to ensure the knowledge is actively transferred and adopted by end users. Transferring Agricultural Knowledge The CAP Network Innovation Hub is currently entering the Transfer phase, developing bespoke transfer plans under each of the three Thematic pilots in Horticulture, Organics and EIP-AGRI Projects. Through the first round of this process, the Hub has successfully identified a wealth of innovative knowledge. The team has collected 29 Knowledge Outputs (KOs) for the horticulture sector, 22 for the organics sector, and 33 from the EIP-AGRI projects. Speaking about the pilots and the work of the Hub, Leo McGrane, CAP Network Innovation Hub lead and ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead the CAP Network Ireland’s Knowledge Transfer Pilots, applying ERINN Innovation’s KT methodology to collect, analyse and transfer the most promising innovations from across Europe in horticulture, organics, and EIP-AGRI. It’s about making sure the best ideas don’t just stay on paper but make a real difference to Irish farmers. Our Innovation Hub is the central platform where we share the validated practices and innovations we collect directly with Irish farmers to help them build more sustainable and successful Irish farming sector.” A Call for Knowledge The success of these pilots relies on collaboration and the sharing of expertise. As the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub continues its work, with a second round of knowledge collection planned for the latter half of 2025, it extends an invitation to all stakeholders in the Irish horticulture and organic sectors, and to past Operational Group (OG) Coordinators involved in successful EIP Projects. If you are aware of any relevant innovative knowledge, practices, or tools that could benefit Irish farmers, the Innovation Hub wants to hear from you. Your contribution could help shape the future of Irish agriculture, fostering sustainable growth and building a more resilient and profitable industry for all. To share your knowledge or learn more, please visit the CAP Network Ireland Innovation Hub or contact members of the ERINN Innovation CAP Network Ireland team (Leo McGrane, Claire Kearney, Sarah Glascott) via the Network’s Helpdesk. Learn more about ERINN Innovation’s KT service and methodology and contact us if you would like to discuss KT opportunities with ERINN Innovation.