TRL

Technology Readiness Level

Currently, Envisioning's quantitative data analysis is based on TRL, the Technological Readiness Level, originally created by NASA to evaluate space technologies. Envisioning has adapted it in order to make the evaluation easier and fitting to our technology definition, which it rates technologies from 1 to 9, the higher the ranking, the more they are technically developed.

The TRL, is part of a quantitative data analysis method based on data that can be objectively measured with numbers. The numerical aftermath can be collected and analyzed through a quantitative measurement of specific causal questions, such as the scalability of the product and the needs offered through the quantitative assessment.

In a sense, every technology begins as an idea. Some spring from academic insights, while others can be found in the pages of science fiction. From the moment of their creation, every single one begins a journey towards becoming a social reality, a product or system that can be used by people across the globe.

TRL	Definition	Signals
0	Idea	Appears as far-fetched hypothesis in non-scientific media Might appear in science fiction
1	Basic Research	Appears as hypothesis in scientific publications The final outcomes aren't yet possible to imagine
2	Applied Research	The concept of the technology is defined in scientific publications Media might exacerbate the possible outcomes of the technology
3	Experimentation	Internal proof-of-concept developed Concept still lacks real-world validation Media might exacerbate the possible outcomes of the technology
4	Lab Prototype	There isn't yet a market or industrial prototype Prototype is been developed in university or research labs Financing is normally governmental agencies or cutting-edge investors (ex: billionaires) Media might show concerns with the technology
5	Industrial Prototype	Prototype is developed and experienced in house Private organizations start investing in it Trend creators can use the technology Media might show disappointment with the technology
6	Market Validation	A small scale prototype is available for experts The prototype is used in small scale in a relevant environment Media might show disappointment with the technology
7	Demonstration	People can't yet buy the technology, but it's accessible for public demonstrations A small scale prototype is available for trend setters (ex: media reporters, developers)
8	Beta Launch	The media has a slope of enlightenment about the technology, people can more clearly see its purpose If the technology has more than a niche market then it will continue to grow
9	Fully Commercial	The technology's broad market applicability and relevance are clearly paying off The technology can be applied in more than one area

While evaluating a TRL score of a technology, researchers, editors and users should find signals that fit into the category and cross check your analyses with other peers.