A presentation to the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research High Value Research A presentation to the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research December 2010

High Value Research SCOR Strategic Plan Describe the process Results from 2010

SCOR Strategic Plan Goal 1 – Champion, optimize, and enhance the value of quality research and innovation to AASHTO, the transportation community, and the public. 1.A - Effectively communicate the overall potential and value of research so that research is recognized as integral to delivering improved transportation services. 1.A.1 – Document and publicize the value of completed research projects.

SCOR Strategic Plan Action 1 – To develop a process to document successful research Action 2 – To annually document and publicize successful research and present it to SCOR. Action 1 – Value of Research TF and RAC leadership will develop a process to document successful research that has high-value outcomes, and annually publicize, at the National RAC meeting. Action 2 – Value of Research TF annually will elicit information from states and other entities that have documented and publicized successful research that has high-value outcomes and then assess the information for action and presenting it to SCOR.

The Process…

The Template… Submitter Research program Agency, organization Contact, email Research program Sponsoring organization. Project Title, ID, Cost, Duration Title Report number Project Cost Project Duration Brief Summary of the Research Project and Its Impact This should include objectives and benefits (improved quality, improved safety, cost savings, etc.) of the project.

Results from 2010 120 HVR submittals from 32 state DOT’s, FHWA, NCHRP – packaged into one document RAC1 - 33 submittals (9 states) RAC2 - 29 submittals (9 states) RAC3 - 32 submittals (9 states) RAC4 - 12 submittals (5 states) FHWA - 11 submittals NCHRP - 3 submittals

Results from 2010 Eight (8) of these used in the 4 color HVR brochure prepared by TRB (CTC Associates) Four HVR submittals selected by each Region for RAC Summer Meeting presentation – “Sweet 16” TRB Annual Poster Session to highlight the “Sweet 16” – Thirteen of the 16 will participate in the poster session http://research.transportation.org/Documents/Task%20Forces/Value%20of%20Research%20Task%20Force/NCHRPBrochure_WEB.pdf

Results from 2010 Other Benefits: Provides impetus to track down information on completed research projects Emphasizes the importance of tracking implementation or at least gathering success stories from our research projects Provides us an extra channel to advertise and promote our selected high-value research projects to our executive management team. A little friendly competition goes a long ways Example for first bullet – MaineDOT research manager knew that results from a Habitat Connectivity study were being implemented but hadn’t asked the internal Environment Office to what extent. When asked, numerous quantitative examples were given with actually dollars and time saved.

Summary SCOR Strategic Plan Actions are being met RAC members/DOT Research Managers are fully supportive and engaged High Value Research documents are excellent marketing tools TRB Poster Session Mara is an awesome presenter