PENNSYLVANIA STATE TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION COUNCIL (PA STIC)

The Challenge 

The Bureau of Innovations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation engage McCormick Taylor through a work order assignment to assist in recasting and reorganizing the PA STIC to effectively and efficiently develop and deploy more well-researched, proven and documented innovations. The intent was to increase the number of innovations available for deployment by the Highway Administration deputate annually.

The goals of this effort included: 

• Streamline processes for rapid development and deployment 
• “Right-size” the STIC Structure to make it more easily managed  
• Increase participation by PennDOT District and Central Office staff 
• Promote broader participation in STIC activities 
• Publicly promote the STIC 
• Recast the STIC using 19 supportive strategies identified in the “STIC Moving Forward” Strategic Plan 

How We Helped 

McCormick Taylor facilitated a series of internal workshops with PennDOT’s BOI to map the STIC organization and develop processes to guide innovation identification, submission, research and evaluation, and deployment. The organizational structure was enhanced to engage stakeholders and subject matter experts from across the Commonwealth, including PennDOT staff, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, local government, and educational institutions. A centralized process was developed to guide the implementation of innovations from initial submission to deployment within a period of six months to one year. A guidance document was also developed to assist STIC members to understand their roles within the re-casted STIC organization.

McCormick Taylor also assisted BOI in developing a Marketing & Communications Plan to attract and promote implementable innovations and to champion open collaboration among the broad range of stakeholders. The Plan included: 

• Video development showcasing innovations, events, funding programs, award submission, and more 

• Content development and design of a monthly STIC e-newsletter 

• Development of online Year-End Reports 

• Presentation development, website content and page design, and the design of informational display boards and collateral materials  

• Conducted a statewide local government survey of desired innovation types and obstacles to implementation 

• Design and development of an annual PA STIC Catalog of Innovations  

Results 

The collaborative efforts between PennDOT’s Bureau of Innovations and key stakeholders of the PA STIC, as facilitated by McCormick Taylor resulted in improved communication channels throughout the STIC organization. An enhanced understanding of the roles of subject matter experts and process owners in conducting research, vetting, and preparing innovations that are proven in other states and nations for implementation in Pennsylvania, made fundable transportation-related enhancements available for statewide implementation in a predictable, timely way. The communication tactics that were created and reimagined promoted and championed the successes throughout innovation development, from initiation to deployment.