Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the Public Works ...

Table 1, Ranking of Agencies or Groups Helpful in Adopting New Technologies, is a
ranking of the major groups reported as being used by public works officials in deciding whether
or not they would consider use of a new technology experience shared at conferences and through
informal networks are particularly important.
TABLE 1
Ranking of Agencies or Groups Helpful in
Adopting New Technologies
1. OTHER PUBLIC WORKS PRACTITIONERS
2. MANUFACTURERS
3. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
4. CONSULTANTS
5. STATE GOVERNMENTS
6. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
7. UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
As show in Table 2, Ranking of Public Works Functional Areas by Relative Ease of
Technology Application, public works officials have firm perceptions concerning the interest areas
in which new technology may be considered. The ranking of water resources, transportation and
solid wastes at the bottom of the list may well reflect the controls exerted by state and federal
regulatory and funding agencies.
TABLE 2
Ranking of Public Works Functional Areas by
Relative Ease of Technology Application
1. MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING
2. PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT
3. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
4. EQUIPMENT SERVICES
5. WATER RESOURCES
6. TRANSPORTATION
7. SOLID WASTES
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