The implementation of pilot plants for the demonstration of new technologies or processes in public spaces requires social embedding via participatory processes with local actors. This guide provides practical advice and guidance on how to do this.

Pilot plants are technical experimental facilities that can be used to test and demonstrate the functioning of new technologies or processes on a small scale. However, when pilot plants are implemented outside closed environments, e.g. in a community or locality, they are socio-technical interventions which must also take complex social dynamics and processes into account. This guide aims to support the implementation of such projects.

The guide follows the phases of plant construction, with info boxes illustrating the contents with a practical case study. In doing so, the guide provides practical instructions and hints for the participatory implementation of pilot plants as well as for the implementation of accompanying activities for awareness raising and capacity building. The hints and lists contained in the guide are formulated in such a way that they can be transferred to the implementation of pilot plants under other boundary conditions.

The guide is aimed at anyone who is interested in implementing pilot plants, e.g. - but not only - for the treatment of drinking water and/or wastewater, in a specific locality as part of their professional work or private commitment.