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 adoption in the case of green building technology. To identify effects on adoption, we develop a difference-in-difference-in-differences strategy, exploiting variation in timing, location, and technologies of green building P&Ds. Results indicate local quarterly green building adoption rates double following completion of a P&D project. Further analyses examine mechanisms driving this effect. The results suggest green building demonstration projects create learning externalities, proliferating technology diffusion in local markets and through building owner networks. Together, these results suggest that investments in P&D projects by public and private actors can lower costs for subsequent adoption.

中文翻译：

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试点和示范项目有效吗？来自绿色建筑计划的证据

试点和示范 (P&D) 项目通常用于促进技术的早期采用，但在机制和影响方面却知之甚少。我们在概念上区分了试点和示范的独特功能，然后检查它们是否会加速绿色建筑技术的采用。为了确定对采用的影响，我们制定了差异中差异策略，利用绿色建筑 P&D 的时间、位置和技术的变化。结果表明，在 P&D 项目完成后，当地季度绿色建筑采用率翻了一番。进一步的分析检查驱动这种效果的机制。结果表明，绿色建筑示范项目创造了学习外部性，在当地市场和通过建筑业主网络扩散技术扩散。