A pilot plant is generally defined as "large-scale trials or...

A pilot plant is generally defined as "large-scale trials or demonstration projects that are subject to widespread societal, economic and technical risk developments, questions of acceptance, economic viability, market potential and technical optimization in field trials.In empirical social research or psychology, experiments, questionnaires or psychological tests are also piloted on a smaller scale in order to identify and correct errors or improvements before the actual project starts.

In order to achieve meaningful results in pilot projects, they must be analyzed by means of accompanying research.