The focus on innovation across state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) continues to grow and strengthen. Unlike research activities, which have established programs and processes, innovation programs are relatively new. DOTs are focusing more directly on innovation, including internal organizational excellence and/or external program and project development and delivery. In addition, DOTs often align their definition of innovation with only a small portion of the innovation spectrum, ranging from large agency-wide initiatives to smaller grassroots efforts. DOTs are often facing similar challenges in setting innovation programs up and are learning from each other through informal information exchanges. A synthesis of current practice in this area is needed to assist DOTs in implementing and growing innovation programs.

The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT innovation programs and initiatives, areas of focus on the innovation spectrum, and associated activities.

Information for this study was gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs. Case examples of five state DOTs provide additional information on innovation programs and initiatives, areas of focus on the innovation spectrum, and associated activities.

Christine Kline and Susan Johnson of CTC & Associates LLC, Lincoln, Nebraska, collected and synthesized the information and wrote the report. The members of the topic panel are acknowledged on page iv. This synthesis is an immediately useful document that records innovation programs and initiatives, areas of focus on the innovation spectrum, and associated activities that were acceptable within the limitations of the knowledge available at the time of its preparation. As progress in research and practice continues, new knowledge will be added to that now at hand.