Communication Matters Communicating the Value of Transportation Research NCHRP Report 610 National Cooperative Highway Research Program 0

Communication Matters 1 1

The information derived from research is an asset 2

Communication Matters 3 3 The long-term payoff may not be directly linked to short term decision making and budget cycles.

Communication Matters 4 Communication is a means to improving the decision makers’ understanding of the value of research.

Communication Matters 5 5 Tech transfer Funding Justify staff Answer local media Demonstration project Public outreach

Communication Matters Research $upport Convey Value Conduct Research 6

Guidebook is based on Empirical Examination of Communication Practices SAFETEA- LU Transportation Programs Other Fields 7 Conducted 7 case studies : 4 hard science and 3 soft science Also best practices in other fields

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Communication Matters 14 Common To Good Practice

What Worked 1. Understand the audience2. Demonstrate a tangible benefit3. Recognize that timing is relevant4. Build coalitions5. Foster a two-way relationship6. Tailor packaging 15

7. Involve Communication Professionals Make communication integral part of research process Have communication professionals on research team Construct Build communication skills of researchers Provide resources for communication with target audiences Support 16

Communication Matters NCHRP Report 610 Communicating the Value of Transportation Research 17 Communication Plan Template

Introduces need, process, practices Overview In-depth guidance: Best practices, quick tips, templates, case studies Guidebook Stand-alone visual & in- person program and material Workshop & Visual Presentation 18 Target Date: January 2010 Expected Cost: $99/site TRB Workshop –Webinar C ommunicating the Value of Transportation Research

Communication Matters 19 Thank you