[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 23, Volume 1]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 23CFR420.203]

[Page 87-88]
 
                           TITLE 23--HIGHWAYS
 
 CHAPTER I--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 420--PLANNING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION--Table of Contents
 
    Subpart B--Research, Development and Technology Transfer Program 
                               Management
 
Sec. 420.203  How does the FHWA define the terms used in this subpart?

    Unless otherwise specified in this part, the definitions in 23 
U.S.C. 101(a) and subpart A of this part, are applicable to this 
subpart. As used in this subpart:
    Applied research means the study of phenomena to gain knowledge or 
understanding necessary for determining the means by which a recognized 
need may be met; the primary purpose of this kind of research is to 
answer a question or solve a problem.
    Basic research means the study of phenomena, and of observable 
facts, without specific applications towards processes or products in 
mind; the primary purpose of this kind of research is to increase 
knowledge.
    Development means the systematic use of the knowledge or 
understanding gained from research, directed toward the production of 
useful materials, devices, systems or methods, including design and 
development of prototypes and processes.
    Final report means a report documenting a completed RD&T study or 
activity.
    Intermodal RD&T means research, development, and technology transfer 
activities involving more than one mode of transportation, including 
transfer facilities between modes.
    Peer exchange means a periodic review of a State DOT's RD&T program, 
or portion thereof, by representatives of other State DOT's, for the 
purpose of exchange of information or best practices. The State DOT may 
also invite the participation of the FHWA, and other Federal, State, 
regional or local

[[Page 88]]

transportation agencies, the Transportation Research Board, academic 
institutions, foundations or private firms that support transportation 
research, development or technology transfer activities.
    RD&T activity means a basic or applied research project or study, 
development or technology transfer activity.
    Research means a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific 
knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. Research can be basic 
or applied.
    Technology transfer means those activities that lead to the adoption 
of a new technique or product by users and involves dissemination, 
demonstration, training, and other activities that lead to eventual 
innovation.
    Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) means the 
database produced and maintained by the Transportation Research Board 
and available online through the National Transportation Library. TRIS 
includes bibliographic records and abstracts of on-going and completed 
RD&T activities. TRIS Online also includes links to the full text of 
public-domain documents.