NCDOT’s Innovation Program fosters a culture of continuous improvement by facilitating the North Carolina Transportation Innovation Council and coordinating the agency’s involvement in federal incentive programs, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of innovative tools, technologies, and practices. The program also recognizes employee-driven innovations, coordinates champions across units and divisions, and promotes knowledge exchange through meetings and events.
The program includes:
- North Carolina Transportation Innovation Council (NC-TIC)
Established in 2011 as part of a federal initiative, this council brings together public and private stakeholders to evaluate and deploy innovations in North Carolina. - State Transportation Innovation Councils (STIC) Incentive Program
Provides technical assistance and federal funding (up to $125,000 per state annually) to help standardize and implement innovative practices. At the local level, the NC-TIC determines which projects and activities to fund. - Every Day Counts (EDC)
A state-based initiative that encourages adoption of proven technologies and innovations to enhance and accelerate project delivery, working with partners across state, local, and private sectors. - Innovation Challenge
An annual competition recognizing NCDOT employees for developing and deploying tools, processes, and technologies that improve safety, mobility, efficiency, and job performance, resulting in time and cost savings. - Innovation Coordinators
Champions from various units and divisions who promote the Innovation Program and its initiatives throughout NCDOT. - Innovation Culture Index (ICI)
An annual survey conducted to better understand how innovation is approached and supported throughout NCDOT. The first survey was completed as a part of the technology transfer that led to the creation of the Value Management Office (VMO)'s CLEAR Program. The survey was conducted again in 2023, 2024, and 2026 with the results used to continuously improve the Innovation Program.
- Innovation Newsletter (coming soon)
A quarterly publication highlighting notable innovations within NCDOT.
- Outreach and Engagement
Representatives from the Innovation Program routinely share technical expertise, best practices, and learned experiences at American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)’s Innovation Community of Practice meetings, CLEAR Lunch & Learn webinars, and state and national conferences.
