Transportation Technology Transfer: Successes, Challenges, and Needs

Abstract

This synthesis presents information on the use of technology transfer practices in the highway transportation community. It is intended to assist transportation agencies and other transportation research organizations in expediting innovation to practice, thereby increasing safety, enhancing performance, and reducing costs. The report documents successful practices, discusses challenges encountered, and identifies the needs of those responsible for sponsoring, facilitating, and conducting technology transfer activities and processes. It incorporates practices within state departments of transportation and other programs such as Local and Tribal Assistance programs' Technology Transfer Centers and the Resource Center and divisions offices of FHWA. Areas of interest include organizational structures, political and legal aspects affecting technology transfer, resources (financial, personnel, technology, facilities, and equipment), strategies and tools, and performance evaluation. Comparisons with practices from the private sector are included. This synthesis included three primary sources of information: surveys, a literature review, and interviews.