NCHRP 20-93: Development of a Guide for Transportation Technology Transfer Presented By: Mark M. Hood P.E. Pennoni Associates Inc. Summer AASHTO Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting Session: Research Program Management Tools

Project Objective Develop a Guide that provides methodologies, case examples, and techniques that facilitate transportation technology transfer.

Why? Technology transfer is difficult, in part, because we have underestimated just how much effort is required for such transfer to occur effectively. (Rogers, Diffusion of Innovations)

The Problem Enhancement of system performance Enhancement of capabilities to make improvements First adoption Disseminate and apply new –Idea –Product –Specification –Method

The Problem Federal and DOT research –Every Day Counts –SHRP –NCHRP Distinct from current practice Incremental improvements DISSEMINATION - BARRIERS –Communication –Information management –Peer-to-peer collaboration

The Solution Comprehensive Decision Support Reference Guide Decision tree/cookbook/map to help user through the T 2 process Pinpoint decision points and potential pitfalls Multiple paths –Where are you starting? –How to deploy? Illustrative case studies

The Team Project Panel Pennoni Associates (Prime) Vance and Renz, LLC B.T. Harder Inc. Samuel Hunter, Penn State University Joseph Toole

Research Approach Task 1: Review of Current Technology Transfer State-of-the-Art Task 2: Develop Methodology Task 3: Prepare Guide for Transportation Technology Transfer

Task 1: Review Current Technology Transfer State-of-the-Art Literature Review –Electronic collection – web-based citation and abstract information –Introduction –Synopsis of Findings: Topics and Subtopics –Summaries, citation counts, citation numbers. Surveys – –Telephone interviews Preliminary Identification of Case Studies

Task 1: Review Current Technology Transfer State-of-the-Art Descriptive catalog of barriers to technology transfer Successful T 2 methods/strategies/techniques Preliminary case study candidates

Task 2: Develop Methodology Organize information from Task 1 into a logical and intuitive framework to guide end users to: –Address methods for creating an impetus for change –Successful innovation implementation –Understand potential requisite changes within an adopting organization –Decision tree or map: Technology Transfer Decision- Support System Multiple paths Supported by case studies

Example: PennDOTs Systems Model for Research Implementation

Task 2: Develop Methodology Accept that a need exists for T 2 Be guided by agencys strategic objectives Provide financial and technical resources Develop a team Engage the field Identify champions at all levels Communicate Build a foundation for success Measure results

Task 3: Prepare Guide for Transportation Technology Transfer Two Potential User Groups –1) Transportation T 2 Specialists –2) Field staff, researchers, technical experts, research and technology program administrators Potential Topics –Introduction, How the Guide Will Work, Transportation T 2 Overview, Contexts for T 2, Potential Barriers to Transportation T 2, Transportation T 2 Successful Practices, Pairings of Barriers with Methods, Strategies, Techniques, Alternatives, Choices, and Risks, Anticipated Results, Replicating Successes, Minimizing Failures, Case Studies

Task 3: Prepare Guide for Transportation Technology Transfer Adoption does not occur naturally No magic formula for success However, there ARE successful practices –Carefully conceived and implemented Person-to-person contact Professionally written and visually appealing materials End users needs, limitations, etc. Systematic approach PowerPoint presentation

For More Information or to Help (Case Studies)... Name:Mark M. Hood, PE Call: x3238 OR