The Long Road from Engineering Research to Application

Researchers, practitioners, program administrators, and others are placing increasing emphasis on finding timely and effective ways to more rapidly apply knowledge to reduce earthquake hazards. Many other professional fields are seeking the same goal, and while there is some literature on the general subject of knowledge transfer, there is very little in earthquake engineering. As a result, this project was initiated in· 1990 to explore the process of translating earthquake engineering knowledge into practice, giving special emphasis to identifying factors that determine the outcome of the process
and to understanding how they might be modified to promote the more rapid application of research results. A great deal more information was collected and many more ideas were presented than are presented here. Our hope is that this preliminary explanation of the subject will be followed by a subsequent project that will allow us to prepare an action plan.

What is the process by which technological and policy-related innovations become incorporated into practice after research has proved their viability and usefulness? Who are some of the players involved? How can this process be facilitated so that research is used to the greatest extent possible? These are some of the concerns addressed in this report. To answer some of these questions, and to supply food for thought, we offer some examples of successful research utilization. In addition, it is important to identify some of the impediments to implementation of new innovations and technology.