Research implementation and information dissemination

Abstract

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has a strong and successful research program. One of its key features is an emphasis on ensuring that innovative products developed during research are effectively implemented in the field. Implementation efforts succeed for several reasons: (a) the involvement of all levels of TxDOT staff in research and implementation, including each of TxDOT's 25 district engineers and technical division directors; (b) the use of implementation programs specifically designed to bring new products into actual use; (c) the use of senior-level program coordinators who accept responsibility for a project and champion its implementation; (d) the use of regularly distributed project summary reports that track a project from inception through development and implementation; (e) the dissemination of a special annual report that showcases the year's top innovations; and (f) dedicated funding being secured specifically for implementation projects. In 2002, TxDOT conducted an analysis to determine the value of its research. It focused on the 21 most innovative products implemented in the previous 3-year period and concluded that the operational cost savings derived from the use of these 21 products exceeded the cost of the research program by approximately $268 million - a net return-on-investment ratio of 5:1.