R&T Portfolio: Global Outreach
The Global Outreach research program seeks to gather, promote, and disseminate global policy, best practices, and technical innovations to ensure a safe and efficient U.S. highway transportation system. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) actively engages with peer agencies around the world to improve transportation policy in the United States by learning from international research efforts through global benchmarking efforts, multinational coordination, and binational cooperation. Through those same channels, FHWA also shares developments in U.S. policies and practices, potentially opening access for U.S. companies abroad.
Program Objectives:
- Identify, evaluate, and adapt foreign technologies and practices with the potential to significantly improve highway transportation in the United States.
- Enable U.S. stakeholders to access and accelerate deployment of technology, best practices, and information relevant to domestic transportation priorities.
- Promote global awareness of U.S. technologies and best practices, which improves market access for U.S. transportation firms.
The mission of FHWA’s Global Benchmarking program is to seek out and adapt foreign innovations that directly support U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) goals. FHWA identifies priority topics for study, conducts outreach with other countries who have developed new technologies, and shares findings and recommendations based on international practices.
Spotlight Project: Tunnel Fire Protection Using Fixed Fire Fighting Systems (FFFS): Advanced Practices in Australia and New Zealand
The report examines the use of FFFS in tunnels to produce safety improvements, increase long-term resilience, and add function benefits for tunnels and highway systems. The study found that Australia and New Zealand are world leaders in the use of FFFSs in road tunnels; in both countries, FFFSs ensure that transportation systems provide reliable long-term functionality.
Image source: FHWA.
The Multinational Collaboration research involves United States participation in global multinational partnerships, including summits with organizations such as the World Road Association (WRA) and initiatives such as the European Commission-USDOT [U.S. Department of Transportation] Twinning Initiative. FHWA, along with State departments of transportation (DOTs), promotes and disseminates products and research from the United States to these groups for the benefit of the group.
Spotlight Project: WRA Technical Committees
The WRA is an international forum in the road sector whose goal is to enhance a better global road community to promote economic growth and social welfare. The United States is a member of the WRA, and is represented by delegates from USDOT, FHWA, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). U.S. WRA participation gives the United States insight into some of the most recent technical and policy road developments originating abroad.
Image copyright: Kentoh © 2014 123RF.com.
The Binational Collaboration program focuses on Government-to-Government relations and activities designed to exchange information regarding best practices and technologies. Endeavors focus on USDOT and FHWA priorities, with a goal of facilitating exchanges that are practical and implementable. The program emphasizes the interchange element of the relationships, aiming to provide benefits to all participants. The program currently has activities in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Western Hemisphere regions. Program examples include Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Switzerland.
Spotlight Project: United States-Korea Knowledge Exchange
The United States and Korea have a long and successful history of cooperation, covering a broad range of topics. Subjects have included climate change, green infrastructure, asset management, infrastructure resilience and geohazards, performance management and measures, bridge design and maintenance, road maintenance and construction, and road safety, among others. This arrangement has led to annual workshops, technical expert exchanges, and greater collaboration that has benefitted both countries.
Image copyright: Cooldesign © 2014 123RF.com.
Contact Us
Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
United States
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Last updated: Wednesday, June 8, 2022