Pursuing knowledge translation The missing link in knowledge economies of developing countries

Abstract

The world is fast investing in knowledge economies as pillars of sustainable development. One arm in traditional knowledge generation is fast losing grip due to realisations that ideas have turned stale, been lost or remain locked-up in academic granaries of knowledge, libraries, academic journals and conference papers, among others. The wealthy academic knowledge shared in academic circles and largely used by academics has rarely been translated for possible use outside the academy; this has contributed to the underdevelopment of societies. Using aspects of Decoloniality, this chapter theoretically debunks the ‘publish-or-perish’ academic mantra to assert that much of the published research evidence in academic platforms has actually systematically been packaged for burial. The chapter argues that research perishes if it fails to serve ordinary end users whose lives could otherwise have been improved had the research knowledge been used. The chapter further demonstrates that knowledge should serve humanity ultimately wherein knowledge translation is the missing link in propelling developing countries partake in knowledge economies which now drive global development.