Chapter 4: Long-Range Research Planning
Anchor: #CHDIJBHISection 1: Introduction
Anchor: #i998664Purpose of the Long-Range Research Plans (LRRPs)
A successful research program must address both short-term and long-term needs of the organization that it supports. Identification of long-term organizational needs by the Research Management Committees (RMCs) and Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) requires a degree of visionary perspective from the TxDOT Administration, District Engineers, and Division and Office Directors. The purpose of Long-Range Research Plans (LRRPs) is to capture organizational goals and long-term needs in a manner that lends itself to planning and scheduling research projects.
Development of LRRPs — Each RMC is responsible for the development and approval of a LRRP for their area of the research program. RMCs give direction and involve their TAPs in this development so that input from technical experts in the universities and from additional sources within TxDOT is gained. Program Coordinators provide input and assistance in developing the LRRP in their areas of responsibility.
LRRPs require periodic modification as TxDOT needs and goals change, as research is completed, and to include newly identified technologies and strategies in meeting future transportation needs.
Objectives — The LRRP:
- establishes longer ranged goals to guide TxDOT research,
- provides a framework within which to review, plan, execute, and implement research,
- provides the universities with insight into TxDOT’s research priorities, which will assist the universities in long-term staffing and facilities acquisition,
- assists in identifying any institutional or political barriers that may stand in the way of accomplishing stated research goals, and
- ensures that TxDOT strategic goals, Texas Transportation Plan goals, and business goals needing support from research are addressed.
Uses of the LRRP — Once approved by the RMC, the LRRP serves as a guide to the RMC and TAP in developing project statements for future annual TxDOT research programs. The LRRP is also used to identify candidate national and regional research issues for consideration of pooled funding with other states, submission to TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program and Transit Cooperative Research Program, and other FHWA programs.