Influencing Factor Analysis for the Implementation of Transport Research Results

This paper investigates the conditions and factors that influence the decision to proceed to the implementation of the results of a given research project and (eventually) produce innovation. It does this with reference to research projects in the transport sector, especially Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), by an investigation in two fronts. On the one hand, by a number of in-depth interviews with well-known experts in the field of transport and on the other by a comprehensive statistical analysis of the results of a pan-European questionnaire survey conducted among transport entities involved in, or related with, transport research. This investigation resulted in a number of interesting factors and conditions that seem to be influencing the (decision for the) implementation of research results in the ITS sector. These factors were derived from a longer list of initial potentially influencing factors that was formulated by our face-to-face interviews as well as an extensive bibliographic search of relevant previous work. Our analysis pointed as the most significant influencing factors: the so-called knowledge assimilation capability of the entity i.e., its ability to analyse, interpret and understand externally acquired knowledge; its ability to exploit new knowledge by changing its processes and adapting them for exploitation; its size; its research experience; familiarity (good working relations) with other research project partners; and issues relating to the thus called “implementation environment” e.g., the customisation and standardisation requirements; the ease with which new business models and entities can be formed and accepted; and the existence of substantial private funds interested in investing in research and innovation activities. Existence of an experienced team and especially the involvement of senior personnel in the research project itself, also plays an important role for the subsequent exploitation/implementation of the results of this research. The results of the study presented in this paper, can help in the planning and setting of the rules of operation (i.e., the terms of reference) for publicly funded research programmes as well as in setting incentives and procedures that would enhance and promote increased implementation of research results in the future.