The following statement outlines the unique role DRI has in the Caltrans organization. It supports Caltrans One Vision/One Mission.

The DRI stimulates innovation in transportation by performing applied, customer-focused research that yields process improvements and tangible products to improve mobility across California.

DRI will fulfill their purpose by following the guiding principles:

• Be trusted advisors to our customers by continuing to develop credibility, fulfill commitments and deliver results.
   
• Focus on producing deployable products to meet customers’ needs while keeping an eye on the long-term needs of California’s citizens.
   
• Develop our staff to be champions of their work.
   
• Select research projects jointly with our customers that have a positive impact on the ‘bottom line’ of the department.
   
• Build accountability into our processes and focus on giving our customers measurable results.
   
• Continue to build strong relationships with our research partners.
   
• Take an active role in marketing our research to our customers and partners.