This article describes development and achievements of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Corporate Master Plan (CMP) for Research and Deployment of Technology & Innovation, which was adopted in 2003. The CMP is a strategic management framework for improving the quality, timeliness, and cost efficiency of FHWA's R&T program. The plan is intended to set the course for future management and delivery of highway-related products that include processes, procedures, management, design, contracting, and funding; new materials and machinery; software; and other knowledge-based products. The CMP is built on 7 guiding principles that embody the keys for effective program management and lay the foundation for a new and improved research and technology program. From a corporate perspective, a fundamental issue is how to know when FHWA's R&T program has achieved the desired results and raised the quality of R&T. The CMP workgroup identified several likely indicators as measures of success, and FHWA uses those indicators to gauge the program's achievements: (1) improved stakeholder trust and confidence, (2) better data availability as input to R&T investment decisions, (3) increased deployment and implementation of technologies and innovations, and (4) broader communication of the R&T vision and program. A number of activities such as lab assessments now are incorporated as state of the practice in R&T program management. One-time events, such as an open house for university researchers, also are commonplace and contribute to application of the guiding principles. Despite some challenges, the CMP is expected to continue to guide the federal R&T program.
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