Next step in policy transitions: Diffusion of pilot projects

Abstract

Pilot projects are policy instruments applicable for many types of purposes. Pilot projects are mainly applied to introduce or test new practices, ideas or technologies. Among the benefits and impacts of pilot projects, the authors found the change in perceptions and practices at local levels and notably, social learning. When pilot projects are proved effective, they can be diffused and lead to a broader policy transition. However, there is little evidence on both the content factors of the pilot projects and on the process of pilot's diffusion. The research objective of this paper is to investigate the nature of diffusion focusing on the subjects of diffusion (namely the artefacts, ideas and concepts and institutional designs) and on the pathways of diffusion (namely dissemination, organic and transposing scaling up). The developed framework of pilot project diffusion is illustrated in four case studies in water management where insights in the functioning of these pilot projects and their contribution to diffusion of the innovation are also revealed.