I² Knowledge Mobilization Hub

Innovating for Impact (I²): Strengthening Social Research & Development in Settlement Services

Innovating for Impact | Innover pour impacter (I²) is a two-year capacity-building project, co-led by ARAISA and Inspiring Communities and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which aims to contribute to the resilience and adaptability of Francophone and Anglophone immigrant-serving agencies in the Atlantic Region. The project is designed to increase capacities to conduct Social Research & Development (Social R&D) and measure outcomes to help improve service delivery. This is accomplished through a participative, experiential learning approach with a focus on fostering a sense of belonging among newcomers.

Case Overview

The I² Knowledge Mobilization Strategy—funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)—was developed to help service provider organizations (SPOs) integrate Social Research & Development (S R&D) into their operations, creating a sense of belonging for newcomers. The project focused on:

• Analyzing I²’s program evaluations, surveys, and interest holder insights to craft a strategic roadmap.

• Developing an audience segmentation analysis & persona profiles to tailor communication strategies.

• Creating a knowledge mobilization hub as a centralized resource for S R&D in the settlement sector.

• Designing a strategic communications and implementation plan with key messages, social media assets, knowledge-sharing tools, and a roadmap for implementation.

The project aimed to embed innovative research practices into the sector by bridging knowledge gaps and providing practical implementation strategies.

Key Findings

• Knowledge Mobilization is Critical for Sustainable Change.

  Many organizations lack the tools and strategies to implement Social R&D effectively. A structured approach to knowledge mobilization helps SPOs apply research-driven solutions and improve service delivery.

• Tailored Communication Improves Engagement.

  A one-size-fits-all approach to knowledge dissemination is ineffective. By segmenting audiences (e.g., frontline workers vs. managers/executive directors), SPOs can receive information in a format that aligns with their needs and responsibilities.

• Practical Tools Increase Adoption.

  Research-heavy reports can be overwhelming for organizations with limited time and resources. Providing clear, actionable resources, such as infographics, checklists, and roadmaps, improves accessibility and encourages adoption.

Solutions

• Development of the I² Knowledge Mobilization Hub.

  A centralized hub was created to house key resources, research findings, and practical tools that settlement agencies can use to integrate S R&D into their operations.

• Strategic Communications Plan & Roadmap.

  A structured communications strategy was developed, outlining key messages, audience segmentation, and content dissemination plans to ensure ongoing interest-holder engagement.

• Bilingual & Multi-Format Resource Development.

  To ensure accessibility, resources were provided in English and French, using multiple formats (written guides, infographics, and toolkits) to reach diverse learning preferences. 

Impact

• Increased Awareness & Understanding of Social R&D.

  The project helped SPOs grasp the importance of this methodology in service delivery, encouraging them to integrate research-driven approaches into their programs.

• Practical Application of Research Findings.

  By providing tangible tools and resources, SPOs could apply research insights more effectively, leading to evidence-based decision-making in service design.

• Enhanced Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration.

  The I² Knowledge Mobilization Hub facilitated information exchange across the sector, enabling organizations to share best practices and adapt successful strategies from other service providers.

Challenges

1. Readiness

Some SPOs had limited experience with Social R&D, making it challenging to implement new research methodologies. 

2. Information Overload & Engagement Barriers

Many interest-holders faced content saturation due to abundant reports and research findings, making it challenging to capture their attention.

3. Language & Accessibility Considerations

Francophone organizations required more targeted engagement efforts beyond simple translation to ensure cultural and linguistic relevance. 

4. Capacity Constraints & Competing Priorities

Many SPOs operate with limited staff funding, making it difficult for them to prioritize Social R&D over immediate service delivery needs. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of knowledge mobilization efforts requires additional resource investment. 

Lessons Learned

1. Simplification & Practicality Improves Adoption

The most effective knowledge mobilization strategies translate complex research findings into practical, actionable tools that organizations can implement immediately.

2. Interest-holder Segmentation is Essential

Different groups (frontline staff vs managers/executive directors) require different messaging, delivery methods, and levels of detail to absorb and apply knowledge effectively.

3. Ongoing Support Strengthens Implementation

Providing follow-up training, workshops, and learning circles ensures that knowledge mobilization is not a one-time effort but an ongoing capacity-building initiative.

4. Collaboration Across Sectors Strengthens Impact

SPOs benefit from peer learning and cross-sector collaboration, allowing them to adapt best practices from other service providers and apply them in their own contexts.

Our Recommendations

1. Expand Training & Implementation Support

• Future projects should offer hands-on training sessions and mentorship opportunities to help SPOs integrate Social R&D into their daily operations. 

• Ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives will be key to sustaining the project’s impact.

2. Invest in Visual & Interactive Learning Formats

• Since engagement improves when content is concise, visual, and interactive, future strategies should incorporate video tutorials, infographics, and digital learning modules. 

• Providing clear, step-by-step implementation guides will help ensure that knowledge mobilization efforts result in meaningful action.

3. Enhance Francophone & Bilingual Engagement Strategies

• Tailored engagement strategies should be developed to ensure that Francophone organizations receive content in culturally relevant formats rather than relying solely on direct translations.

• Creating dedicated French-language discussions, knowledge sharing, andnetworkingspaces will further strengthen engagement and impact.

4. Support Long-Term Sustainability of Social R&D Strategies

• SPOs need dedicated funding and staff time to effectively implement Social R&D, as competing priorities often push research initiatives aside.

• Future projects should advocate for policy changes or funding structures that provide long-term support for knowledge mobilization efforts.