Fifth , we devised a plan for implementation. Although seminars primarily target scientists and engineers, we invite practicing professionals with expertise in applying the research. These activities take a great deal of time to plan in advance, but if the effort is well documented and produced in a book or guide, they can be repeated with minimal effort. Workshops are probably the single most effective tool in transferring dynamic knowledge. Workshops promote two-way communication and often stimulate innovative ideas for new approaches in solving problems.
Participants contribute abstracts or papers for proceedings and technical briefs.
Short courses are conducted in partnership with professional associations or academic organizations that assist in developing course materials and provide other support. Increased use of the Internet, specifically the World Wide Web, enables widespread dissemination of materials. Successful linkages require participants who have knowledge of system processes, have a high tolerance for ambiguity, and accept the high transaction costs associated with interdisciplinary activities, and are able to overcome communication problems by developing a common language. A partnership between the scientific research and applied professional communities can make a significant contribution to improving management of the earthquake risk. Each partner must contribute to bridging the gap between cultures to promote gains in knowledge transfer.