摘要: |
The NCHRP IDEA program was my first exposure to the NCHRP program and to TRB. As I became involved with the different programs and categories of funding, I learned very quickly that there is a high competition for funding to meet an even higher demand of research needs. The states and their transportation partners are always looking to push the envelope to help resources go farther. The IDEA program, however, always made sense to me. I believe without question the program should be a high priority. This is important research and should be prioritized to respond to the issues of the day. In my experiences holding various leadership positons within the TRB and AASHTO communities, I have seen many instances where research projects tend to be reactive. But research should also be proactive and look for views and opinions outside of the normal ways of doing business. The NCHRP IDEA program does this. It supports out-of-the-box thinkers. The program helps states and others explore risky concepts that they are not able to do themselves. In having the opportunity to be on the NCHRP IDEA program committee for many years, it was a meeting that excited the group. The discussions and brainstorming that occurred during the selection process made us all better as we finished the meetings and went back to our daily obligations. There was opportunity to touch the world of what could be. |