Research Peer Exchange

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) hosted a research management peer exchange October 3-7, 2005. The objectives of the peer exchange were to: identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the information services component of MDT's Research Program; determine most pressing information needs of MDT staff; determine how best to meet these needs; explore potential areas of cooperation regionally and nationally to improve exchange and use of transportation information; discuss progress with the Midwest Transportation Knowledge Network, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) sponsored Transportation Information Policy Study, Transportation Library Connectivity Pooled-Fund Study, and where to go from here; and identify useful ideas that each member of the peer exchange team can apply practically in his or her own organization. During the exchange, team members identified needs and critical information services issues experienced in their respective organizations and highlighted successful practices used to accomplish information services. The team discussed information needs with MDT staff, and collaboratively with the staff identified a number of pressing needs and considered how to best meet these needs. The team developed observations, strengths, and opportunities for the Montana Department of Transportation. In addition, each team member developed planned actions for their programs.