Technology readiness levels

What is TRL, or Technology Readiness Level?

TRL stands for "Technology Readiness Level." It is a system used to assess the maturity of a particular technology. The TRL scale typically ranges from 1 to 9, with each level representing a different stage of development:
In Canada, TRLs are widely employed in government, industry, and academia to evaluate the readiness of technologies for implementation, commercialization, or further development. Whether in government research institutions, academic research labs, or private sector companies, Canadian organizations often use TRLs to track the progress of their technology projects and communicate the readiness of their technologies to stakeholders. This standardized scale helps align expectations and facilitate decision-making processes regarding technology investments, funding allocation, and strategic planning. In Canada's innovation ecosystem, TRLs play a crucial role in assessing the maturity and feasibility of emerging technologies, particularly in areas such as clean technology, information technology, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and aerospace. Government funding programs, research grants, and venture capital investments often consider TRLs as a factor in evaluating technology projects and determining eligibility for support.

Overall, TRLs provide a common language for discussing technology readiness and serve as a valuable tool for driving innovation, accelerating technology development, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in Canada's dynamic and diverse technology landscape.