The RDI leads various applied regional research projects each year that are aligned with the RDI Strategic Plan, informed by consultations processes, discussions with the RDI and CBT staff, the RDI Governance Committee and the RDI Advisory Committee, and evaluated based on a set of criteria and informed by end user groups that will use the research. Some applied research priorities may require substantial effort and may span several years depending on project scope. Depending on ongoing research projects and RDI capacity, the RDI may lead up 4 applied research projects. The number of research projects depends upon RDI capacity, work plan, and focus in that year. The audience for RDI projects may vary depending on the nature of the applied research and data/information products.