TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM

Technology Transfer is the process by which research findings and other innovative ideas are transferred into useful processes, products and programs. Another way of saying this is: Technology Transfer is the process by which a better way of doing something is put into use as quickly as possible.

The Technology Transfer Program was formed as a result of the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) Special Committee on the Utilization of Research. The committee found that there was a significant lag between the development of usable research findings and its actual use. They concluded that some linking mechanism was needed to transfer research findings and other new technology transfer information from the research community to the user community. The primary goal of this process was to accelerate the application of information that would improve transportation system planning, design, construction and operation. This process was first called the implementation process and later renamed the technology transfer process.

In 1983 ten Technology Transfer Centers were established in various states by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP). Ten years later there are 51 T² Centers, as they have come to be known, serving all 50 states plus Puerto Rico.

Among the 51 centers, 39 are located at and administered by universities, 11 by State Department of Transportation (DOT) and one jointly by a university and DOT. The Illinois Technology Transfer Program is administered by the Department of Transportation. In 1991 the signing of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) provided that the program name be changed to the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), extending the T² services to communities.

The Bureau of Local Roads and Streets has been given the responsibility of coordinating the T² Center activities with all local agencies in Illinois. To guide and direct the T² Center an Advisory Committee has been formed. This committee is made up of two representatives selected by each local agency organization, the

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Bureau Chief of Local Roads and Streets or his representative and the Local Roads Technology Transfer Coordinator.

The following is a list of Advisory Committee Members:

County Engineers
Ralph Hilmes, Marion County
Wayne Ward, Douglas County

Municipalities
Ed Reeder, City of Carbondale
Al Werner, City of Rockford

Townships
Elson Stahl, Medina Township, Peoria County
David Anderson, Vernon Township, Lake County
The T² Centers major tasks as required by FHWA are as follows:

A. Compile and Maintain a Mailing List — We will be using the mailing list for Local Roads circular letter distribution. We will supplement this list with those individuals requesting to be placed on the T² mailing list.

B. Publish a Quarterly Newsletter — In the latter part of August or the first part of September you will be receiving the new "Illinois Interchange." This will be our new look for our quarterly T² newsletter.

C. Provide Technology Transfer Material — We are in the initial stage of developing a video and publication library.

D. Provide Information Services — Since we are a new T² Center, the procedures for this service have not yet been developed. We will try to accommodate any request that we receive.

E. Training and Seminars — Local Roads has been in the training business for about 20 years. The 1992-1993 Training Program was very successful. We trained approximately 3300 students in the 105 classes that were scheduled. The 1993-1994 Training Schedule should be out in the latter part of August. Do to other requirements under the T² Program, the scheduling of additional classes is questionable for the next training year. Since the T² Program is for Local agencies, they will be given priority over other interested parties.

The Technology Transfer Program is for your benefit. Should you have any suggestions or comments, we recommend you contact your representative on the Advisory Committee. They need your help and input to guide and direct this program in the direction that will be most beneficial to your needs.

Page 18 / Illinois Municipal Review / August 1993