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Do Pilot and Demonstration Projects Work?

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher J. Blackburn
  • Mallory E. Flowers
  • Daniel C. Matisoff
  • Juan Moreno-Cruz

Abstract

Pilot and demonstration (P&D) projects are commonly deployed to catalyze early adoption of technology, but are poorly understood in terms of mechanism and impact. We conceptually distinguish unique functions of pilots and demonstrations, then examine whether they accelerate green building adoption. To identify effects of P&Ds on adoption, we develop a difference-in-difference-in-differences strategy, exploiting variation in location, technologies, and timing of P&D projects. Results indicate a 12% increase in adoption rates within markets affected by P&D projects. Further analyses examine mechanisms driving this effect. Subsequent results suggest green building demonstration projects create learning externalities, proliferating technology diffusion under certain conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher J. Blackburn & Mallory E. Flowers & Daniel C. Matisoff & Juan Moreno-Cruz, 2018. "Do Pilot and Demonstration Projects Work?," CESifo Working Paper Series 7252, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_7252
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    information spillovers; peer effects; social learning; pilot and demonstration projects; technology adoption; diffusion; policy evaluation; green building;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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