Communication Matters
Communicating the Value of Transportation Research
NCHRP Report 610National Cooperative Highway Research Program
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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.
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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