How to Build a System to Implement Research and Innovation

This paper describes the principles used to build an effective research and innovation implementation system at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT). These principles include top management support, dedicated resources, effective communications, an implementation team with the requisite skills and credibility, broad involvement of the field, and a supportive culture of innovation. Examples illustrate how these principles work in practice. More than 80 innovations were implemented in the implementation system's first 5 years. At least the same number of innovations were reviewed for implementation potential and either rejected or postponed until further review; this outcome highlights the importance of careful screening of implementation candidates. The implementation system began with early successes. These successes, together with documentation of the links between system products and the Pennsylvania DOT's strategic objectives, provided the leverage to secure necessary resources to expand the system's scope and impact. Significant challenges and hurdles are described. As the Pennsylvania DOT continues to learn to use the implementation system, the agency continues to adapt to its own changing needs and priorities. Adaptability and responsiveness are keys to the system's future success.