INTRODUCTION:
Knowledge translation platforms (KTPs), also referred to as intermediaries, play a key role in supporting evidence-informed decision-making. Numerous KTPs exist globally, striving to translate evidence into policy. However, these platforms are described in varying ways, and some do not explicitly identify themselves as such. This makes identification, recognition, and leveraging of KTPs suboptimal and hinders opportunities for learning, adaptation, and scaling.

OBJECTIVE:
This scoping review aimed to synthesise the literature on definitions, functions, and characteristics of KTPs, with a view to harmonising these aspects and offering a revised framework of functions.

METHODS:
This review followed recommended methods and reporting guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) using a predefined search strategy, without date or geographical restrictions. Included studies were analysed in ATLAS.ti, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis.

RESULTS:
With one exception, KTPs did not identify themselves as such in their names. Five common elements emerged across definitions: (i) a physical or virtual platform, (ii) stakeholder engagement, (iii) knowledge translation activities and outputs, and (iv) contribution to health decision-making. Identified activities aligned with the core functions described by Valmeekanathan et al. (Tert Educ Manag 27:227–256, 2021)—knowledge exchange, dialogue, and capacity—but also included engaging funders, planning for sustainability and scalability, providing training grants, and initiating innovative knowledge translation processes that integrate knowledge across projects and sectors.

CONCLUSIONS:
This review provides a synthesised definition of KTPs while expanding the three core functions described by Valmeekanathan et al. To maximise impact, sustained investment, stronger institutional support, and integration into national policy ecosystems are essential.