Page 186 - RoadCem Manual - PCT BV

Figure 7.1 Research versus implementation.
The benefits of this Manual will only be achieved if the approaches recommended are implemented. However, the path from research to implementation is a tortuous and time-consuming one. It has been estimated that, in engineering, in each of the steps in the pathway that begins in obtaining funding for research, through to implementation, the magnitude of difficulty increases by a factor of 2 to 8. These activities include carrying out the research, processing the results, developing standards, disseminating the information, right through to actual implementation (Figure 7.1). Thus, it can be quite difficult to get the results of engineering research put into practice, despite the evidence that very large savings can accrue where this has been done.
The implementation stage can be accelerated by understanding the process that is involved in technology transfer, identifying the likely obstacles and adopting a strategy that seeks to mitigate them. In broad terms there are five stages to the process of innovation:
STAGE 1
Idea generator - the initial perceived need for developing theGuideline.
STAGE 2
Technology generation, adaptation and transfer - which has been achieved by raising awareness of the results of research carried out with the use of RoadCem, the adaptation of appropriate standards and the knowledge shared in the development of the Guideline.
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