It will focus on people by supporting and collaborating on projects where specific expertise is required which is not available within the DfT or wider market. It will also boost partnerships both across government and with the wider transport research and development sector, to enable efficient and effective action at pace. And it will also embed science in DfT decision-making, ensuring focus on departmental purpose, and ensuring the right mechanisms to deliver impact.
“The grant framework agreement will primarily focus on research and innovation relating to surface transport, encompassing areas such as standards and regulations, emerging and existing road-related technologies, innovation adoption, and safety,” emphasised TRL CEO Paul Campion. “TRL’s social purpose enterprise status, our unparalleled expertise and unique capabilities such as the Smart Mobility Living Lab test bed in London, and our renowned reputation for providing independent research, which all contribute to the future of transport, justify this partnership between the DfT and TRL.”