6.0 - DEFINITION

Technology transfer involves dissemination of information, demonstration of use, training, and other means that lead to eventual innovation and implementation. Technology transfer is an active term, which is effected by interaction between technology sponsors and potential users.

 

6.1 - CUSTOMERS

Everyone in this country is dependent upon our transportation system to some degree, and everyone benefits when the system is improved. Generally, research products are implemented first by the sponsoring agencies. As the products are distributed throughout the transportation community, other transportation agencies, consultants, contractors, industry, local governments, etc. adopt them for use. Ultimately, benefits from research products reach the taxpayer in the form of a more cost-effective infrastructure, improved safety, better service, improved ride quality, and many other improvements.

 

6.2 - PARTNERS

A successful technology transfer program requires input and cooperation from a variety of sources. Research products or findings are often difficult to extract from technical reports, to organize into an understandable format, and to implement quickly. Few individuals are willing, or have the time, to make this effort. To facilitate this process, representatives from the various sponsors and user organizations must be involved throughout the research process and, in this capacity, work with ODOT and the researchers to ensure that findings are presented in a way that provides maximum opportunity for implementation. Technology transfer responsibilities are outlined below.

  • Office of Research & Development: R&D will provide overall administrative oversight of technology transfer activities.

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  • Program Office Administrators: Office Administrators will provide technical direction and oversight.

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  • Technical Liaisons/Project Panels: At the conclusion of each research project (or during the project, Appropriate) the Technical Liaison/Project Panel will suggest research findings that should be implemented and recommend how, and in what form, they should be disseminated.

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  • Federal Highway Administration: FHWA will monitor projects and highlight findings that may have national significance.

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  • Material Industries, Contractors, Consultants, Local Transportation Agencies: These other groups who may benefit directly from a research project should be involved during the conduct of research to impart their experience and knowledge of the subject. Their involvement needs to be in the spirit of teamwork in extracting the most from the research and not in gaining any competitive advantage.

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  • Ohio LTAP Center: The Ohio LTAP center is responsible for technology transfer activities aimed primarily at local public agencies. While emphasis is typically placed on the conveyance of well established and proven technologies, opportunities exist to conduct research in unexplored areas of particular interest to these agencies. The Ohio LTAP center works cooperatively with R&D to identify these research needs and to develop methods to address them.

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    6.3 - METHODS

    Several different vehicles are used in the transfer of technology. These activities may consist of workshops, special publications, teleconferences, video tapes, etc. Following are several examples of methods to transfer technology:

     

  • Workshops: At the conclusion of selected studies, a workshop may be conducted to explain the research and discuss the findings.

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  • Report Distribution: Reports are distributed to national libraries and repositories. Executive summaries are sent to all state DOTs and others on R&Ds mailing list. Many documents are also available on the R&D website.

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  • Newsletters: R&D publishes a quarterly newsletter. Each issue focuses on an interest area of active research with a background article on the Technical Liaison who manages those research projects. Current issues and areas of concern are addressed, and a calendar is posted referencing upcoming events of special interest. Implementation achievements will also be presented as they develop. Copies of the newsletter are available on the R&D web site (See cover.)

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  • News Releases: Newspaper articles and the Department-wide newsletter may be used to distribute information regarding successful research projects.

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  • Visual Media: Statewide teleconferences and videotapes may be appropriate for studies of widespread interest.

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  • Conferences: Researchers and ODOT staff attend conferences in Ohio and other states to discuss results of the ODOT research program. Examples include: the annual Transportation Research Board meeting in Washington, D.C. and the Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC) held each fall in Columbus. The OTEC conference is one of the primary vehicles for showcasing the results of the research program. Projects of special interest will be chosen to be highlighted. Researchers may request reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with Section 4.3.3 to present a paper if it is a result of an active ODOT research project and the paper is shown on the official conference program.

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  • Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP): LTAP is a national network of technology transfer centers that provides training, technical information, workshops, and problem solving assistance to improve safety and efficiency. LTAP also maintains a video library and publishes a newsletter to keep agencies informed of legislative and regulatory news, training opportunities, and other technical information.

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  • Project Deliverables: Each research project proposal is required to list project deliverables. Many of the deliverables will contain elements of technology transfer necessary for implementation of the research results. Examples include, but are not limited to: training for direct users, presentations, and train-the-trainer programs.

  • Synthesis and Assessment: R&D attempts to maximize the resources available from other agencies as well as sharing resources and experiences with others. This is done by participating in pooled fund studies (see Section 3.2.1), being a host to and participating in research Peer Exchanges (see Section 3.7.5.2), sending and responding to questionnaires from other State DOTs, and participating in the AASHTO RAC listserv. These opportunities allow ODOT to more efficiently access the limited resources available and reduce the possibility of duplicating the efforts of other agencies.

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  • Technical Training: R&D staff, Technical Liaisons, and Project Panels should participate in training opportunities that enhance their technical capabilities. Examples include National Highway Institute courses, the annual TRB meeting, local and regional seminars and workshops, and the Technical Liaison training offered by the Office of Research & Development.

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    6.4 - SUMMARY

    Technology transfer is more art than science. For it to be effective, a variety of activities or mechanisms need to be established. No one activity will reach all groups of potential users. Progressive individuals may be willing to attend workshops or read technical publications while others may require a short informative announcement that piques their interest. Even then, differences in educational backgrounds, interests, motivation, and goals may require totally different presentations of the same information.

    As a research project develops and is completed, it is ODOT's desire to present the findings in a user-friendly format and to distribute them to as wide an audience of potential users as practical. If everyone is aware of this goal from the time the proposal is being reviewed and it is discussed throughout the life of each project, this should be relatively easy to accomplish.