Transformative research: A conceptual framework for research organisations

Throughout human history, innovation through research played a crucial role in human development. The transformative products, application processes produced through research, were responsible for radically improving the way we do things. This paper examines the notion of 'transformative research' and explores its application and implications in the specific field of transportation. It also explores the current organisational frameworks that are in place for funding and governing research around the globe. It then discusses how far such frameworks affect or induce transformative vs. more traditional research, and proposes a new paradigm for how research is governed and carried out so as to increase the chances of producing more innovative and more transformative research. The paper proposes a conceptual framework for research organisations. The framework is derived from analysis of specific case studies (mainly in the field of transportation) where the research carried out over a number of years produced results that were 'transformative'. The framework is suggested for institutions whose responsibility is to produce research and fill knowledge gaps. The authors acknowledge that there are different paths to innovation and institutions do not have monopoly over transformative research. Indeed, individual efforts have often sparked innovations. The paper, however, examines the topic through an institutional lens, and offers a framework that ensures that these institutions maintain an enabling, rather than stifling role.