Technological Readiness Levels (TRL) scoring and methodology serve as pivotal frameworks in Research and Development (R&D) that guide project management and company planning across various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Originating from NASA in the 1970s, TRLs provide a structured approach to assessing the maturity of technologies, with a nine-level scale that ranges from basic principles (TRL 1) to fully operational systems (TRL 9).
Key Takeaways

- Originated by NASA, adopted globally for R&D.
- Nine levels ranging from basic principles to proven systems.
- Facilitates risk management and informed funding choices.
- Evaluation based on key criteria for each TRL level.
- Aligns with various phases of project development.
- Consider context and potential misuse of TRL framework.
According to a report by the European Commission, effective application of TRLs has been shown to improve the likelihood of successful project completion by up to 70%, highlighting their importance in risk management and decision-making processes for funding and technology transition.
Definition of Technological Readiness Levels TRLs
Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs) serve as a metrics framework designed to evaluate the maturity of technologies. Originally conceived by NASA in the late 1970s as part of the Space Shuttle program, the purpose was to enable a structured way to assess the readiness of emergent technologies for inclusion in space missions. TRL assessments help in identifying technological gaps and in making informed decisions about project funding, planning, and risk management.
The TRL scale consists of nine distinct levels, each representing a phase of development. Level 1 denotes the basic principles observed, while Level 9 signifies that the technology has been proven in an operational environment:
Level | Description & details (note: examples are fictive, for understanding) |
TRL 1 | Basic principles observed: scientific research begins to translate into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.
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TRL 2 | Technology concept formulated: invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.
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TRL 3 | Analytical and experimental proof of concept: active research and development begin, including both analytical studies and laboratory experiments to validate that the theoretical predictions are correct.
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TRL 4 | Technology validated in lab environment: technology validated through designed investigation. Examples might include analysis of the technology parameter operating range. The results provide evidence that envisioned application performance requirements might be attainable.
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TRL 5 | Technology validated in relevant environment: reliability of technology significantly increases. Examples could involve validation of a semi-integrated system/model of technological and supporting elements in a simulated environment.
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TRL 6 | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment: prototype system verified. Examples might include a prototype system/model being produced and demonstrated in a simulated environment.
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TRL 7 | System prototype demonstration in operational environment: a major step increase in technological maturity. Examples could include a prototype model/system being verified in an operational environment.
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TRL 8 | Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration: system/model produced and qualified. An example might include the knowledge generated from TRL 7 being used to manufacture an actual system/model, which is subsequently qualified in an operational environment.
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TRL 9 | Actual system proven in operational environment: system/model proven and ready for full commercial deployment. An example includes the actual system/model being successfully deployed for multiple missions by end users.
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This linear progression creates a clear map from conceptualization to mature deployment, facilitating communication among stakeholders across various phases of product development and innovation.
TRLs in R&D Project Management

This structured approach allows project managers to objectively analyze where their...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Technological Readiness Levels (TRLs)?
What are the purposes and benefits of using TRLs in project management?
How do TRLs influence government and agency funding allocation for research initiatives?
How do TRLs support corporate strategy and new product development planning?
Related Topics
- Integration of TRLs with Agile Methodology: assessing how TRLs can complement agile practices for iterative development.
- Linking TRLs to Stage-Gate Processes: understanding the relationship between TRLs and stage-gate project management frameworks.
- TRLs in Product Lifecycle Management: utilizing TRLs to inform decision-making throughout a product’s lifecycle stages.
- Use of TRLs in Risk Assessment Models: discussing how TRLs can be factored into technology risk evaluation methods.
- Cross-Industry TRLs Application: investigating how TRLs can be applied across diverse sectors beyond their original intent.
- Technological Forecasting and TRLs: connecting TRLs with methods of predicting future technological trends and readiness.
Glossary of Terms Used
Network-attached storage (NAS): a storage device connected to a network that allows data access and sharing among multiple users and devices, typically providing centralized file storage, backup, and management capabilities. It operates independently of a computer and can be accessed via standard network protocols.
New Product Development (NPD): a systematic process that involves the creation, design, and introduction of new goods or services to the market, encompassing stages such as idea generation, concept development, prototyping, testing, and commercialization to meet consumer needs and achieve business objectives.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): a systematic approach to managing a product's lifecycle from inception, through engineering design and manufacturing, to service and disposal, integrating people, processes, data, and technology to improve product quality, reduce time to market, and enhance collaboration across stakeholders.
Proof of Concept (PoC): a preliminary demonstration to validate the feasibility, functionality, or potential of an idea, product, or technology, often used to assess viability before full-scale development or implementation.
Technological Readiness Levels (TRL): a scale used to assess the maturity of a technology, ranging from basic research and development to full deployment, typically categorized from 1 (concept) to 9 (operational use), facilitating evaluation and decision-making in technology development processes.
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