Our approach
How we will stimulate innovation across the highways sector
Successful innovation requires implementation across our business from fundamental research to the effective implementation of standards.
Research
We will actively engage with research institutions and universities to discover new knowledge.
Innovation
We will use this knowledge to innovate, working with wider stakeholders and enabling test trials of new applications.
Lean - continuous improvement
Our continuous improvement processes will help us realise efficiency and productivity opportunities.
Standards
We will embed the results of our innovation in new standards.
What we are doing:
- leading as an active participant in research
- finding new ways to solve our current and future challengess
- strengthening our relationships with research institutions, academia, infrastructure operators and industry
- collaborating with academic experts and specialists to align research with our strategic goals
- attracting and developing new talent in the sector
Research timeline
2020-2025 Short term activities
Successfully delivering the next Road Investment Strategy.
2025-2035 Medium term activities
Informing and supporting future Road Investment Strategies.
2035-2050 Long-term activities
Pursuing our future aspirations leading up to 2050 and beyond
What we are doing:
- setting the approach and direction that will drive our innovation culture
- providing technical leadership and advice on innovation projects, competitions and hackathons
- developing partnerships within our organisation and with our supply chain, industry, innovation bodies and overseas roads administrations.
- publishing the results of our projects
What we are doing:
- realising and delivering significant efficiencies
- developing Lean capability alongside our suppliers to improve our performance (demonstrated through our Key Performance Indicators).
- continuously improving our (and our delivery partners) performance in safety, customer satisfaction and efficiency.
- helping our teams improve how they work, demonstrated by increased productivity
What we are doing:
- speeding up publication of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and updates of the Manual Contracts Highways Work
- improving standards departure processing
- developing National Highway Sector Schemes that set out competency levels for people working on the UK road network
