FUNDAMENTAL INGREDIENTS IN THE SUCCESS OF PILOT PROJECTS

Pilot and demonstration projects are fundamental to the success of much of the European Commission's research programme and the ability of policymakers to push forward the development of policy options. In recognition of this, DGVII has commissioned the MAESTRO project "to establish a common framework and methodology for the selection, design and evaluation of pilot and demonstration projects within the specific research programme on transport". The outcome of the project will be a practical handbook to guide policymakers. This paper summarises key methodological approaches to the successful selection, design and evaluation of pilot projects - the complete project lifecycle from genesis to post-implementation evaluation. It draws together a wealth of experience, focusing on European transport-related projects, in particular over 60 pilot projects and numerous evaluation studies, but also tapping into experience outside Europe and the transport sector. The synthesis of this broad range of experience has involved a detailed interrogation of accrued knowledge. Typical questions have included: (1) did policy objectives drive the need to establish a pilot project? (2) were the range of existing solutions adequately reviewed in relation to the pilot option(s) pursued? (3) why was the pilot site chosen, and could alternative sites have yielded more? (4) what evaluation framework was used? and (5) was there an effective dissemination plan? The conclusions of the review have far-reaching implications for policy makers at local, national and European level, and for the best practice guidelines that will be developed in the MAESTRO project. For the covering abstract, see IRRD E101143.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: p. 53-60

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00766782
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • ISBN: 0-86050-310-0
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Aug 2 1999 12:00AM