The partialization strategy: an empirical reformulation of demonstration project planning

Area of Science:

• Project Management
• Innovation Diffusion Studies
• Strategic Planning

Background:

• Demonstration projects are a common planning strategy.
• This approach frequently encounters challenges leading to failure.
• Existing frameworks lack comprehensive guidance for successful implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demonstration project approach to planning.
• To introduce and define partialization as a strategic framework.
• To identify key elements for successful demonstration project implementation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the demonstration project planning approach.
• Introduction of the partialization concept.
• Examination of two research case studies illustrating partialization.

Main Results:

• Frequent failure of demonstration projects is linked to strategic shortcomings.
• Partialization provides a broader framework for understanding demonstration projects.
• Four key elements (success potential, access, linkage, acceptance) are crucial for selecting demonstration sites.
• Case studies demonstrate partialization facilitates innovation diffusion.

Conclusions:

• Partialization offers a more effective strategy than traditional demonstration projects.
• Careful selection of initial demonstration sites is critical for success.
• The partialization framework supports the desired diffusion of innovations.