Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 54-17. State DOT Innovation Programs and Practices

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.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5300
• Supplemental Notes:
  • The final report of this synthesis has been published as NCHRP Synthesis Report 633; a PDF version of the report can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.17226/27829.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $55000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-05, Topic 54-17

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Harrigan, Edward

• Performing Organizations:

  CTC & Associates LLC

  ,    
• Principal Investigators:

  Kline, Chris

• Start Date: 20230209
• Expected Completion Date: 20240528
• Actual Completion Date: 20240528

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communication; Financing; Innovation; Marketing; State departments of transportation; State of the practice
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Finance; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01845579
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-05, Topic 54-17
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 17 2022 6:22PM