Demonstrating Learning in Action in a Water and Energy Smart Specialisation Cluster

Abstract

The Energy and Water sectors crave innovation. The sectors also exhibit clusters of firms which interact in developing innovations. We explore how demonstrating learning in a cluster facilitates innovation. The paper is built around an intervention at a demonstration site in Blackstairs Group Water Scheme (Wexford, Ireland) planning to implement a pump-as-turbine, a disruptive micro-hydropower technology, to recover energy from its water network. Group Water Schemes are small private community organisations focused on delivering water solutions to their rural communities We reflect on the relationships among cluster engagement, collaborative prototyping and learning mechanisms in order to understand how learning through demonstration in a smart specialisation cluster can contribute to the promotion of continuous innovation in energy and water in rural Ireland and beyond.