This paper describes a knowledge transfer experiment that has been in progress since September 2012 in Argenteuil (Val d’Oise, France). This experiment is part of an interventional research project called DéCLIC: “Knowledge transfer on social and spatial inequalities: a tool for raising local awareness aimed at reducing disparities in cancer screening participation rate disparities”. The project is being carried out by health geographers from Paris Ouest University (UPO) and the National Association of Cities for Public Health (Elus, Santé Publique et Territoires, ESPT). It encompasses two main components: intervention designed to enable knowledge co-production and to encourage a knowledge transfer process between researchers, stakeholders and decision makers at various levels. This knowledge concerns social and spatial determinants of inequalities of access to breast cancer screening programs in cities. The research is multidisciplinary (drawing on geography, sociology, political science and epistemology) and is designed to measure the impact of this knowledge co-production and transfer in terms of actions in the targeted cities (six cities in the Paris region) as well as the reduction of inequalities of access to breast cancer screening programs. This article, based on knowledge transfer literature and an empirical experiment in Argenteuil, describes the ongoing knowledge transfer process. It also highlights Argenteuil stakeholders’ and decision makers’ interest in action and research. Analysis shows that the knowledge co-production, sharing and ownership process carried out by local actors is both “strategic” and “profound”.
Keywords
- health geography
- local policies
- breast cancer screening
- social and spatial health inequalities
- knowledge co-production and transfer