Research Portfolio | Ongoing Research | Innovation Life Cycle | Roadmaps | Deployment

Research and Technology Roadmaps (R&T Roadmaps)

Multiyear plans or roadmaps are employed as a tool to define research and technology agendas. Roadmaps often are comprised of both text and a series of integrated graphics that illustrate key strategies and milestones against a timeline. Roadmaps effectively translate abstract needs and concepts into concrete strategies that specify stakeholder interests and the resources necessary to make progress in a timely fashion. The typical Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) R&T roadmap includes the following elements:

• Goals.
• Objectives, initiatives, budgets, and performance measures--all tied to FHWA's overall mission and goals.
• Research and innovative activities.
• Resources necessary for deployment and implementation.
• Roles and responsibilities.
• Planned inputs and outputs.
• Stakeholder participation opportunities.
• Timelines with a 3-year minimum.

Roadmaps are useful in identifying specific barriers that are likely to be encountered during the various phases of the R&T development life cycle. Decisionmakers using the roadmaps are more likely then to be in a position to anticipate the types of "work around" strategies that may be needed to achieve agreed-upon goals and objectives within budget and on time.

Roadmaps

• FHWA National Hydraulics Team Roadmap
• Integrated Corridor Management Systems Program Plan Roadmap
• Electronic Freight Manifest Initiative Roadmap
• HIF-HIAM Strategic Program Roadmap

Other Links

• FHWA RD&T Performance Plan
• FHWA State Planning and Research Guide
• Transportation Pooled Fund Site
• Transportation Research Information Services
• TRB Research in Progress Search