A systems-based R&D management model for the road and transport engineering sector applied to a community access roads and transport research programme

Abstract

A conceptual non-linear, systems-based R&D management model for the road and transport sector was developed to address the associated complexities of transport and road research. It takes account of all the elements of the innovation value chain as well as stakeholders. It stimulates systems-thinking in the R&D management process and allows for a non-linear approach to the process with a number of process pathways, both ‘backward’ (back casting) and ‘forward’ thinking, thus facilitating eventual impact and uptake. It includes an impact assessment ‘sensor’ that influences the process of R&D management. The model was used to augment key performance indicators in an existing transport and road research programme. It was shown that a systems-based approach can improve the impact assessment indicators of an R&D programme in a community access roads and transport research programme.