Citation

Hyman WA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1127: 1-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The theme of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) is innovation and SHRP's Final Research Plans provide a thoughtful guide to the development of new highway technology, materials, and processes. To enhance the environment for innovation in SHRP and more generally in the national highway program, there must be an openness to unusual and novel ideas and the means and incentives to bring about change in the highway product procurement and construction contracting process. Presented here is some of the background material developed to create a climate conducive to the serious consideration of creative ideas and unsolicited proposals, the support of innovation, and the extensive involvement of private industry in SHRP and public-sector highway research. In particular SHRP should encourage the development of widely accepted performance tests and specifications so that there is a foundation for awarding highway product procurement and construction contracts on the basis of long-term performance and life-cycle costs. These would provide the incentive for widespread innovation and the development of premium products and materials not only within the duration of SHRP but also thereafter.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1127/1127-001.pdf

TRT Terms: Contracts; Financing; Governments; Incentives; Innovation; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Performance based specifications; Private enterprise; Procurement; Specifications; Time duration
Identifier Terms: Strategic Highway Research Program
Uncontrolled Terms: Long term

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION; HIGHWAY ENGINEERING; HIGHWAY SYSTEMS - Construction; STRATEGIC PLANNING