Technical Yearbook 2023

producers and wineries within a three-hour drive from Cape Town. Organisational distance, also known as cultural differences between knowledge producers (e.g., academia) and knowledge users (e.g., producers, viticulturists and winemakers), can significantly impact the process of knowledge transfer and uptake. • Academics often use specialised jargon and technical language that may not be familiar or easily understood by practitioners. This language barrier can hinder effective knowledge transfer, as practitioners may struggle to grasp and apply the concepts in their practice. Academics also mainly communicate their research through scientific publications, conferences and proceedings, which differ from the preferred ways for practitioners to obtain new knowledge. Effective communication requires bridging this gap by translating complex academic concepts into practical, accessible language that practitioners can easily comprehend and relate to. • Academia and practitioners often have different goals and priorities. Academia focuses on generating new knowledge, conducting research and advancing theoretical frameworks. In contrast, practitioners are primarily concerned with applying knowledge to solve practical problems and achieve tangible outcomes. This disparity in goals can result in a mismatch between the knowledge generated by academia and the needs of practitioners, making it challenging for practitioners to find relevant and applicable knowledge that directly addresses their concerns. • Academia operates within a longer time frame, often characterised by rigorous research processes, peer review and publication cycles. On the other hand, practitioners often work within tight timelines and require immediate solutions to real-time problems. advance knowledge, even if it involves taking risks or challenging established practices. In contrast, practitioners are often more risk-averse, as their decisions and actions directly impact the well-being of individuals or organisations. This difference in risk tolerance can make practitioners cautious about adopting new knowledge that deviates from established practices, particularly if there is uncertainty about its • Academia often encourages exploration, experimentation and pushing boundaries to

In conclusion By understanding and catering to these factors, knowledge providers can enhance the impact and effectiveness of their knowledge dissemination efforts. Establishing mechanisms that bridge the gap between knowledge providers and practitioners is essential. Building relationships and fostering mutual understanding through dialogue and shared learning opportunities can contribute to more effective knowledge exchange and utilisation.  potential outcomes or if the risks involved are perceived to outweigh the potential benefits. • Academia strongly emphasises rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based practices and peer reviewed publications. This validation process is essential for maintaining academic standards and credibility. However, practitioners often rely on diverse sources of knowledge, including their own experiences, practical wisdom and tacit knowledge gained through years of practice. This reliance on their own experiential knowledge may lead to scepticism or reluctance to accept academic knowledge that needs more practical validation or does not align with their values and beliefs. Distance of the knowledge base refers to the degree to which knowledge exchange participants have similar knowledge. As a result of the formal training of viticulturists and winemakers, there is a smaller knowledge base distance between them and academia than, for instance, the general public who lacks the foundational knowledge gained through a four-year degree. Viticulturists and winemakers are therefore inclined to be interested in viticulture and oenology research, because of professional curiosity or the expectation that the results can be helpful to them. The knowledge base difference between suppliers/service providers/consultants and wine industry practitioners may be smaller since the former also possess ample practical knowledge from regular interaction with practitioners.  Reference https://www.wineland.co.za/factors-influencing-knowledge uptake-by-practitioners-characteristics-of-the-knowledge-source/

For more information, contact Karien O’Kennedy at karien@sawine.co.za.

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2023