The purpose of this study is to go beyond cataloging pilot projects to determine the lessons learned, emerging trends and considerations, and examples of promising practices from pilot projects in the United States and Canada. Researchers assessed 220 pilot projects and 11 case studies. Based on that assessment, they recommend 10 actions for pilot projects generally. The study resulted in 31 lessons learned organized by pilot goals, evaluation, implementation, outcomes, and policy and infrastructure implications.

Key findings

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Recommended Action #1: Define the pilot goals and outcomes at the beginning of the process and make sure every pilot activity is designed to achieve them.

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Recommended Action #2: Study what happened and put those findings into a final evaluation report.

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Recommended Action #3: Foster relationships and build trust.

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Recommended Action #4: Create a policy framework (i.e., regulations, contracts, agreements) for each pilot project that advances the public good and is easy to understand.

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