A boundary spanning system supports large-scale ecosystem-based management

Boundary spanning is a focused effort to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information between pro-ducers (i.e., analysts, scientists, researchers, etc.) and users (i.e., decision-makers, policy makers, managers, etc.) in support of evidence-informed decision-making. Here we provide specific examples of approaches and products by a boundary spanning organization as part of a regional ecosystem-based management program. These ex-amples illustrate a range of potential boundary spanning activities while also describing a more holistic boundary system that employs several complimentary and related approaches to improve the use of knowledge in decision-making across interfaces separating different institutions. This system is supported by, and indeed requires, a larger institutional framework that provides scaffolding upon which the boundary spanning operates. As described, the institutional framework is often not supplied solely by a single boundary spanning organization, but rather by a suite of cooperating institutions. Last, we discuss approaches to evaluating the various impacts of boundary spanning.

Automated summary

Boundary spanning is a focused effort to facilitate knowledge and information exchange between producers and users for evidence-informed decision-making. The system utilizes complimentary approaches to improve knowledge use across different institutions and relies on a larger institutional framework for support. Evaluation of boundary spanning impacts is important for assessing its effectiveness.