Since the initial set of think tank forums in 2005, the EAR Program has been conducting smaller, more focused investigations. This process includes conducting reference searches of published and unpublished materials, visiting leading researchers and laboratories (many in disciplines not traditionally associated with highway research), and convening workshops to bring together researchers from different fields and leaders in highway research to explore how fundamental scientific and engineering advances could respond to current or emerging highway needs.

How Initial-Stage Investigations Lead to EAR Program Investment in High-Return Research

Not all innovative ideas lead to EAR Program investments. Of the 15 to 20 ideas that the EAR Program considers annually, about 25 percent lead to EAR Program funded research. The EAR Program seeks to leverage advances in science and engineering that could lead to breakthrough research for critical current and emerging issues in highway transportation. The focus of this effort is to investigate issues that can be clearly articulated but where solutions are not obvious and to engage a community of experts from different disciplines who likely have the talent and the interest to research solutions but would not otherwise be able to do so without EAR Program funding.

Examples of initial stage investigations that lead to funded research can be found at https://highways.dot.gov/research/research/innovative-ideas/initial-stage-investigations .

Examples of an initial stage topics that did not lead to EAR program-funded research include:

• Novel modal systems. More information can be found at https://highways.dot.gov/research/research-programs/exploratory-advanced-research/novel-modes-explored-during-multimodal-workshop
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.  A summary scan is located at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/ear/14037/index.cfm
• Visual requirements for human drivers.  A literature review is located at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/ear/16038/index.cfm
• Wearable sensors.  A report is located at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/ear/16034/index.cfm.

EAR Program-Sponsored Think Tanks

In 2005, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) held a series of think tank forums that brought together a cross section of stakeholders and partners to make recommendations for a corporate, strategic, advanced research agenda for FHWA. Three such forums were organized to explore future advanced research possibilities within a set of domains relevant to the mission of FHWA.

• Boston
• Minneapolis
• Berkeley

Summary of Initial-Stage Investigations 2006–2010 (Focus Areas)

Summary of Initial-Stage Investigations 2011–2014 (Focus Areas)

Research on the Future

Resources for learning more about trends that may impact the transportation industry and, thus, the industry’s research needs over the next generation are categorized under three areas: (1) research programs and institutes; (2) related research reports; and (3) popular articles.