The sub-group 2 of the PIARC Technical Committee on Road Pavements (C7/8) includes 24 representatives belonging to 18 countries. The task assigned to this group was to identify, analyse and recommend innovative pavement typologies corresponding to needs really expressed by the different countries and the different national, regional and local road network contexts. The aim was to describe the most appropriate choices for favouring the spirit of creativity inherent in innovation as well as the best methods and organisations for fostering it.

While the various areas of interest have been revealed for the dynamics of innovation in developing countries in the general report on Question IV of the Montreal Congress (New Pavement Strengthening and Maintenance Techniques - 1995), it must be noted that significant differences have been observed and that it has been found necessary today to review the situation in order to determine the stakes involved and undertake the required corrective action. Such is the logic of the present report, which seeks to provide a proactive vision in relation to the new social, administrative and technical context.