Research and Technology Roadmaps

Multiyear plans, or roadmaps, are used to define research and technology (R&T) 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) research and technology (R&T) roadmap includes the following elements:

• Goals.
• Objectives, initiatives, budgets, and performance measures 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 for identifying specific barriers likely to be encountered during the various phases of the R&T development life cycle. Decisionmakers using the roadmaps are more likely to be in a position to anticipate the types of workaround strategies that may be needed to achieve agreed-upon goals and objectives within budget and on time.

Research and Development (R&D) Project Overview