ADOP2T
| Press the play button to view an introduction of ADOP2T from Dr. Tim Lindsey. |
The Waste Management & Research Center (WMRC) has long understood that simply telling someone about a new technology is unlikely to result in the implementation of it. New technology and new ways of doing things can be intimidating. For new technology to be widely used, it must be tested, it must be available for review, and industry leaders must adopt it. WMRC has created a model for technology diffusion that addresses these issues.
The Accelerated Diffusion of Pollution Prevention Technologies (ADOP2T) program establishes showcase demonstration sites in actual facilities in a chosen industrial sector. WMRC asks the industry to define its needs and what technologies or practices the industry would like to see explored. In exchange for participating, a facility receives WMRC assistance in setting up, testing, and evaluating a new technology. On-site demonstrations, on-site technical assistance, and testimonials from key industry leaders combine to show companies how they can have more efficient processes and a better fiscal bottom line.
Traditionally, adoption of innovation is a slow process. The greatest lag time occurs in the early testing and verification stages. ADOP2T attacks this early stage -- creating an industry-driven incubator for demonstration, testing and ultimately adoption of innovative technologies. Even a successful technology is slow to be adopted until a critical mass of industry opinion leaders has implemented it. At this stage, the technology moves from being innovative and risky to being recognized as standard and accepted.
The ADOP2T model has been successfully implemented in the metal finishing industry, and work is underway in applying the model to the printed wiring board industry. A three state ADOP2T initiative (Illinois, Kentucky, and Minnesota) has just begun to leverage efforts to diffuse innovative technologies into targeted sectors (fiber reinforced plastics, coating & painting, printed wiring board, and metal finishing).
For more information on ADOP2T, contact Dr. Tim Lindsey at tlindsey@wmrc.uiuc.edu.
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