Road Roles is a role game that enables both sides, commissioners and operators, to explore innovative contracting. What are the consequences of giving contractors greater freedom?
National road authorities worldwide are finding that traditional project contract procedures need updating. They are trying out innovative forms of contracting for road design, construction, maintenance and operation.
Expectations are high: more flexibility in the road sector, improved performance, lower costs, more innovation. But how successful are these new practices? And how can the positive results expected in fact be achieved?
Playing a game will provide important answers.
The theoretical basis of this research project combines economics, engineering design and system dynamics. The data are gathered through case studies and by interviewing representatives of all parties involved, such as transport ministry officials, contractors, and consultants.
Their information helps to build up a clear picture of their national procurement model. The aim is to establish a benchmark (systematic comparison) of the models of a number of countries, including Finland, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The Dutch and Finnish field studies have resulted in the development of a key research tool: the simulation game “Road Roles”. Road Roles is a role game that enables both sides, commissioners and operators, to explore innovative contracting.
What are the consequences of giving contractors greater freedom? How can contractors play with aspects such as selection criteria, bonuses and penalties? How can the road administration respond?
