Strategy for Dissemination of DFID Funded Transport Research

This report reviews the ways in which dissemination of DFID funded transport research is currently being accomplished by TRL and the efficacy of present procedures and practices. This review takes place against a rapidly changing background: the growth in electronic means of storing and distributing information; the rise in networking and partnerships; the move towards different organisational models, which involve the participation of private enterprise and non-governmental organisations; the need for sustainable solutions; the cross-sectoral nature of so much of the information generated, etc.

This changing framework must influence the way in which the future dissemination of DFID funded transport research findings evolves; hence the key purpose of this review is to develop a strategy which can address these and other issues which impact on dissemination, and to propose a series of actions and investments to support DFID fulfilling such a strategy. Whilst the review draws heavily on TRL managed contributions, it highlights the value of contributions from other providers.

The review is founded on the premise that the objectives of DFID's dissemination strategy in the transport sector should be to achieve greater impact in delivering affordable, safe and sustainable transport to target groups in developing countries. Therefore the objective is to positively influence implementation by informing policy makers, promoting cost effective solutions to service providers and managers, and raising awareness of users and communities of actions they can contribute. The strengths and weaknesses of the currently known range of dissemination activities have been identified and they form the basis for the recommendations made in this report.

The review is structured in four main parts: (i) An overview of the information which is the subject of dissemination. This looks briefly at the sources of information, the implications of a broader contributor base and the need for up-dating information; (ii) An examination of the publication format, which is essentially a review of the 'series' which are currently used by TRL for publishing hard copy; (iii) An assessment of the 'vehicles' for dissemination. This looks at the current practice of delivering hard copies to enquirers and the modern means for getting information to them; and (iv) An assessment of the resource base required to put in place the recommendations which flow from this review.