Who conducts transportation research in Minnesota?

Transportation research in Minnesota involves extensive and productive collaborations among federal and state agencies, local units of government, the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, out state universities, and private industry. These collaborations take place through a number of formal and informal partnerships. For example, the LRRB Research Implementation Committee (RIC), which includes county and city engineers, University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) personnel, and Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) research personnel, may contract with a private engineering consultant for implementation of a research project. Researchers from Mn/DOT, the University of Minnesota, and consulting firms conduct the research, and the LRRB monitors progress. Mn/DOT’s Research Services Section (RSS) provides the necessary administrative support services to the LRRB and RIC.

In addition, representatives from CTS and RSS meet regularly as part of an ongoing collaboration to coordinate research and technology transfer programs. This partnership's goals include the following:

• efficient and timely contract administration
• effective implementation of research results and evaluation of research impact
• optimization of technology transfer resources through recognition, identification, and fostering of partnership opportunities
• development of cooperative efforts in research and education
• leadership to identify emerging trends and promote creative and critical thinking

Mn/DOT and CTS also link their efforts to those at the national level by participating in national transportation networks and organizations.