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. Decision makers 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.
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Strategic Approach In 2003, FHWA leadership accepted the challenge to "raise the bar" on R&T and adopted a strategic management framework developed with input from stakeholders. See Corporate Master Plan (CMP) for Research and Deployment of Technology & Innovation (FHWA-RD-03-077) |
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