Trust is an underapprciated challenge for technology innovators
Trust is an under-appreciated challenge for technology innovators. Todd Bush's story about BP's failed CCUS project in Indiana highlights this perfectly.
https://lnkd.in/g3QkwfHs
Historical injustices and negative experiences have created deep skepticism that can kill even well-intentioned climate projects.
Trust isn't just nice-to-have—it's invisible infrastructure that determines whether breakthrough technologies succeed or fail. Here's how to build it:
Transparency as a Foundation: Don't Hide How Your Technology Works. Talk openly about limitations, not just capabilities. Share research and let people see under the hood. Nobody trusts a black box.
Demonstrate Reliability: Test extensively. Get outside validation when possible—your testing only goes so far. Run pilots with credible partners, then let them tell your story. Share exactly how you did it, warts and all.
Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with established, trusted organizations. These provide credibility by association. Academic partnerships are particularly valuable for scientific credibility.
Prioritize Security: Make data protection a central part of the design, not an afterthought. Conduct security audits with reputable firms and maintain transparency in your practices. Privacy breaches destroy trust instantly.
Engage Regulators Early: Work with regulations instead of fighting them. Embracing regulation shows responsibility and helps influence sensible rules.
Invest in Thought Leadership: Position your team as experts through speaking, research, and industry participation. When people trust your expertise, they trust your technology.
Communicate Clearly: Maintain regular, transparent communication with investors, customers, and affected communities. Consistent honesty builds confidence over time.
Start with Low-Risk: Deploy first in areas where the consequences of failure are less severe. Success in these areas builds credibility for higher-stakes applications.
Companies that approach trust-building strategically create sustainable competitive advantages that competitors struggle to replicate.
#trust #decarbonization #CCUS #heavyindustry #communicationstrategy #datastrategy
