An important concept in Horizon Europe (HE) is the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which describes the distance that the technology being developed is from market deployment. This concept, originally defined by NASA, is a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.
TRLs range across nine levels: stages 1-3 include the research phase, 4-6 the development phase and stages 7-9 the deployment and commercialization phase.
This scale was introduced by the European Union (EU) in 2012 and serves as a reference to determine the development or maturity of research and its readiness for market uptake and potential investment. As it determines a universal framework for the technology maturity characterization, it allows a common understanding between different stakeholders.
TRLs in Horizon Europe
TRLs represent a framework to evaluate the maturity of the project’s technology and innovations. In HE, TLRs are part of the eligibility criteria for several funding R&I calls.
In the HE Pillar II – Global Challenges & European Industrial Competitiveness, TRLs differentiate Research & Innovation Actions (RIA), which expect TRL 2-6, from Innovation Actions (IA) where TRL 6-8 can be expected (calls description should always be checked).
In Pillar III – Innovative Europe, it always depends on the funding programme:
- EIC Pathfinder, which supports research teams in the early stages of future technology development, expects TRL 1-3;
- EIC Transition funds the validation and demonstration of novel technologies that aim to achieve TRL 5/6 (starting at TRL 3/4);
- EIC Accelerator supports start-ups and SMEs with the capacity to scale up innovations up to TRL 8 (starting at TLR5/6).
For research-focused projects, such as Pillar I – Excellent Science,lower TLRs are expected, however, this concept is not applied.
During project execution, TRLs should be used as tools in decision-making and risk monitoring for project managers. However, due to its broad definition, it may be difficult to identify the transition point between different levels. Thus, it is critical to integrate all the factors that may influence the maturity level of the project’s technologies, including the market size and readiness, scalability, replicability, user adoption, etc.
TRL assessment
TRLs are self-declared and differ from sector to sector, thus, the HE NCP Portal provides a TRL assessment tool to help participants to have a better understanding and a more accurate analysis of their TRLs.
This assessment is based on three questions:
- What is the type of solution to be developed by the project?
- What is missing from your innovation to be in its final form?
- How controlled are the conditions in which you are operating?
After replying to these questions, the participant’s assumptions can be confirmed in a matrix that provides examples depending on the sector. To apply the TRL Assessment tool, check the reference document.
It has been recognised that progress assessment should be extended beyond technical readiness to ensure innovation’s impact on a higher scale. These can include manufacturing (MRL), commercial (CRL), business (BRL), societal (SRL), organisational (ORL), or legal (LRL) aspects, among others, to ensure that innovations can be integrated and get to their final destination (1, 2, 3).
Hence, it is crucial to understand TLRs not only to identify which call aligns with your project but also to monitor the project’s progress during implementation and to communicate with the project’s stakeholders.