CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
The work of the SAHPM team tested the theory and practice of knowledge brokerage within the limits of civil service protocols and academic operational boundaries. The process has demonstrated the validity of a KT and KB focus on human dynamics and has shown that KT and KB is possible, the theory works in practice, and the delivery of utilitarian products to support the policy cycle is possible.
The SAHPM experience would appear to represent the first operationalisation of KB in a government department, and valuable lessons have been learned for all communities of interest who have engaged in the process. Specifically, the application of KT and KB theory has: resulted in increased research utilisation within SEHD and the brokerage of inventive alliances leading to the generation of new knowledge; brought enhanced knowledge to the policy process; and moved tacit knowledge into utilitarian outputs. The SAHPM project also reinforced that KT and KB requires appropriately skilled people to make more efficient use of resources.