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Technology Diffusion: Initiating an ADOP2T Program
Once an organization decides to modify its technical assistance approach it must identify
technologies and processes to learn about and then "sell" them to industries that would be
good candidates for the technology.
- Identify target industries by evaluating the industry demographics and then
potential P2 technologies that may benefit those industries.
- Identify industry opinion leaders who represent the targeted industrial processes
that the technology can benefit.
- Partner with change agents or near-peers (POTW reps, vendors, power utilities,
manufacturing extension centers, consultants, chemical management firms and recycling
technology services) who can inform the affected industry representatives about these
new opportunities and provide credibility to the technology as well as the individuals
actually assisting the business with implementation. (Note: Trade organizations and
vendors can be an asset, but in some cases they may perceive a P2 technology as a
threat and may attempt to influence facilities in their decisions to adopt the technology
permanently. This is an obstacle the change agent must be prepared to address.
Ideally, individuals could be approached directly to provide process information and to
answer any questions or concerns they may have. In reality, there will be some instances
where the vendor cannot be convinced and may successfully sway a facility to terminate
further interest in a P2 project.)
- Form focus groups composed of smaller operations. Local trade or business organizations
council of business can be used to form these focus groups.
- Change agents must identify the individual(s) within the organization who are familiar
with the processes, are respected among their peers, and are the type of person(s) who can
communicate with both the production level and the upper management levels in the
organization. Once this individual is identified it is imperative to determine whether
or not he or she is willing to champion the suggested change before going forward.
Once a candidate for pollution prevention assistance has been identified, the organization
and the individuals within the organization must change for the pollution prevention
technology to diffuse into the organization.
- Change agents must also identify powerful individuals, preferably with a high office in
the organization, such as the company president, owner or division chief at facilities that
are receiving assistance. The level of the individual who supports change within the company
will significantly impact the adoption of the less polluting technologies. These individuals
should be carefully informed about the potential benefits of implementing the pilot study and
the final adoption of the technology so that they support and endorse the program. This
support needs to be observed by other affected employees who may otherwise permit the project
to wither and die.
Connecting the technology developers with the end users who are trying to solve real-world
problems is often one of the most important aspects of facilitating effective technology diffusion.
Accelerated technology diffusion goes beyond technical journal articles, sales ads and conference
presentations. Results of developmental and applied research can be used to document the principles
of the technology. An understanding of the technical principles associated with a technology (how
it works, what impacts it will have on waste generation and costs) is necessary for a decision
maker to be interested in investigating it further. This information can, in turn, be used to
facilitate the development of a demonstration site at a mentor facility.
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