The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) hosted a virtual peer exchange meeting on October 26-29, 2021, to discuss topics related to transportation research goals, strategies and processes among other state DOTs. The meeting and the subsequent publication of this report fulfill the agency’s obligation to conduct a periodic peer exchange as part of the federal State Planning & Research program. The event centered around three main topics: messaging the value of research, transportation innovation, and equity and research. Participants of the three-and-a-half-day online event included staff from MnDOT’s Research & Innovation Office, several other MnDOT offices, nine other state transportation agencies (Arizona, California, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Utah, Washington State, and Wisconsin), and the Federal Highway Administration. Based on presentations, open question-and-answer sessions, and roundtable discussions, participants shared what they saw as MnDOT’s strengths and challenges, opportunities for MnDOT in the areas discussed, and takeaways for their home agencies. The event concluded with a report-out session to MnDOT leadership and a summary of perspectives and opportunities for MnDOT from an executive perspective.
