Knowledge sharing in pilot projects crucial but appears to be challenging
Developing knowledge about how new technologies can be used is crucial for the transition to a sustainable economy. But to what extent is this know-how shared beyond the pilot projects producing it? The sharing of knowledge with other projects and external parties is less than what policymakers aim for and less than what is required for the transition to a sustainable economy. This is the result of a study on smart grid pilot projects conducted by researchers from Aalborg University and Utrecht University.
Knowledge development often happens through publicly subsidized pilot projects, where new technologies are tested and sharing the knowledge with other projects and external parties is an expectation of the subsidy. In their study Gerwin Evers (Aalborg University, Denmark) and Maryse Chappin (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University) unpack the challenges of knowledge sharing and provide concrete policy and managerial recommendations for moving forward in the transition to a sustainable economy.
Four levels of knowledge sharing
In their study the authors opened the black box of knowledge sharing by distinguishing four levels at which knowledge sharing can take place: within an organization (intra-organizational), within a project (intra-project), between projects (inter-project) and with external parties (project-external).
Opening the black box of knowledge sharing
Based on a multiple-case study of sixteen smart grid pilot projects funded by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) they identify for each level the different mechanisms used to share knowledge as well as the current incentives and barriers.
Several barriers to knowledge sharing
The main barriers for knowledge sharing with other projects appeared to be a wait and see attitude, a lack of interest in other projects and the idea that knowledge sharing with other projects was not necessary. When it comes to knowledge sharing with external parties, it appears to be unidirectional and mainly involves generic knowledge. Barriers for this type of knowledge sharing were for instance a lack of financial and human resources and a lack of interest in external knowledge sharing.
Moving forward to facilitate knowledge sharing
Based on the results the authors developed a set of policy and managerial recommendations. For instance, in order to increase knowledge sharing between unconnected pilot projects they advise policymakers to organize thematic and recurring workshops to identify shared challenges.
Planning ahead for knowledge sharing crucial
In order to increase knowledge sharing with external parties and overcome the lack of financial and human resources, they advise project partners to upfront budget for this type of knowledge sharing, and for project leaders to think about strategies for include knowledge sharing from the beginning.
While the authors acknowledge the necessity for public support of pilot projects, they stress that more emphasis should be placed on stimulating knowledge spillovers and thereby increasing the social returns on the public resources allocated to these projects.
Further Reading
Evers, G.W., Chappin, Maryse M. H., 2020. Knowledge sharing in smart grid pilot projects. Energy Policy 143.