|
Research can generate an enormous amount of knowledge! The challenge is putting this knowledge into the hands of decision makers who can use it. Knowledge not transferred is unfortunate, wasteful, and can set back progress toward challenges.
The PHMSA Pipeline Safety R&D Program is developing and promoting general knowledge to decision makers. Research focused on the feasibility of an emerging issue, parametric studies to pull known knowledge into a single comprehensive report and work addressing issues tied to no known industry consensus standards are categorized by PHMSA as general knowledge.
Consensus is reached at collaborative events such as R&D Forums about what general knowledge research is required. Diverse merit review panels review proposed research and recommend these type projects for award.
In the contract, PHMSA mandates several actions that the researcher must take to promote project results. This is our approach for all PHMSA R&D awards (technology / standards / general knowledge). The following are examples of how all awarded research is promoted to decision makers.
- Contract obligation for submitting results to a public conference / forum / symposium / workshop or trade journal
- Contract obligation to report any application for a U.S. Patent
- Contract obligation for an output or final meeting via a webinar or in person with invited decision makers and stakeholders
- Collaborative public events such as R&D Forums and Workshops where ongoing work or results are presented
- Annual R&D Peer Reviews where knowledge of the research is reviewed and promoted
- PHMSA's Pipeline Safety R&D Website where project progress and results are posted
It should be noted that PHMSA participates in the Department’s Small Business and Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. All SBIR Phase I efforts are classified as general knowledge by the PHMSA program even though these efforts address technology development. The below tables include these efforts in their tally since technology development with SBIRs can only occur in Phase II or III efforts. Later SBIR phases are covered and counted under the PHMSA performance area addressing "Developing Innovative Technology."
The following section documents the program progress toward promoting knowledge since 2002.
|
