communicating the value of transportation research

Communication Matters

Communicating the Value of Transportation Research

NCHRP Report 610National Cooperative Highway Research Program

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Communication Matters

The information derived from research is an asset

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The long-term payoff may not be directly linked to short term decision making and budget cycles.

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Communication is a means to improving the decision makers’ understanding of the value of research.

Communication Matters

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Tech transfer

Funding

Justify staff

Answer local mediaDemonstration

project

Public outreach

Communication Matters

Research $upport

Convey Value

Conduct

Research

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Guidebook is based on Empirical Examination of Communication Practices

SAFETEA-LU

Transportation Programs

Other Fields

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Conducted 7 case studies :4 hard science and 3 soft scienceAlso best practices in other fields

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Common To Good Practice

What Worked1. Understand the audience

2. Demonstrate a tangible benefit

3. Recognize that timing is relevant

4. Build coalitions

5. Foster a two-way relationship

6. Tailor packaging

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7. Involve Communication Professionals

• Make communication integral part of research process

• Have communication professionals on research team

Construct

• Build communication skills of researchers

• Provide resources for communication with target audiences

Support

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NCHRP Report 610 Communicating the Value of Transportation Research

Communication Plan Template

• Introduces need, process, practices

Overview

• In-depth guidance: Best practices, quick tips, templates, case studies

Guidebook• Stand-alone

visual & in-person program and material

Workshop & Visual

Presentation

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Target Date: January 2010 Expected Cost: $99/site

TRB Workshop –Webinar Communicating the Value of Transportation Research

Communication Matters 2020

Thank you