Our networks

We want to reach out to a wider innovation network in academia, industry, infrastructure and civil engineering

Together we can can provide better results for road users and the public through research, innovation and standardisation.

Through our networks, we:

undertake research, development and technology projects through partnerships with leading British universities
work with innovation enablers such as Innovate UK and Connected Places Catapult
help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to develop new solutions
share ideas with other infrastructure operators and support national programmes
collaborate with wider industry to find improved ways of working
support innovation in our supply chain, particularly developing and implementing new solutions.
work closely with Government to ensure alignment to wider strategies and challenges

Our innovation partners

Department for Transport (DfT)

Our client, responsible for setting out our road investment strategy for April 2020 to March 2025, known as Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS 2).

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

We are a member of CIRIA, with whom we coordinate collaborative projects, industry networks and events.

i3P

We are an i3P client partner and member of its Strategy Forum and Delivery Leadership groups.

Through these groups, we help steer innovation investment to address the major challenges faced across the infrastructure industry.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Through our formal partnership with EPSRC, we invest in research and postgraduate training to address challenges the organisation and the UK are facing

Connected Places Catapults helps us to identify, design and deliver innovations and research projects. We use its SME network to explore new cutting edge technologies and ideas from a range of industries.

Innovate UK

Innovate UK help us to run our targeted innovation competitions, using their extensive competition expertise and knowledge

Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)

As members of MTC, we can keep in touch with innovative manufacturing processes and technologies, under development in an agile, low risk environment.

Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR)

We have representation on both CEDR Governing and Executive Boards, along with our extensive collaboration in CEDR working groups and transnational research programmes.

ITS UK

Our executive membership of ITS(UK) and seat on the ITS(UK) council help us engage with the wider supply chain community and universities.