Research and Technology 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. 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.