BACKGROUND

State departments of transportation (DOTs) define research implementation differently, which leads to inconsistent definitions for quantifying successful implementation and different methods used to identify challenges. Even with a broad definition of implementation and despite efforts to improve implementation of research outcomes across state DOTs, there are still significant implementation gaps relative to the number of research projects completed. Currently, we have a limited understanding of the extent research projects are implemented at state DOTs, lack enough information about why some research projects are not implemented, and lack knowledge on the steps that can be done to improve implementation of research relative to existing state DOT practices. Research is needed to understand the specific roadblocks to research implementation across the United States and the extent that state DOT research programs are impacted.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to identify barriers to implementation of transportation research projects and develop tools and methods to mitigate those barriers. Specific strategies will be developed and offered to stakeholders to improve implementation of research outcomes, and to maximize impact.