Title: Technology readiness levels enhancing R&D management and technology transfer capabilities: insights from a public utility in Northwest USA

Authors: Joao Ricardo Lavoie; Tugrul U. Daim

Addresses: Engineering and Technology Management Department, Portland State University, 1900 SW 4th Ave., Fourth Avenue Building, Floor LL, Suite 50, Portland, OR 97201, USA ' Engineering and Technology Management Department, Portland State University, 1900 SW 4th Ave., Fourth Avenue Building, Floor LL, Suite 50, Portland, OR 97201, USA

Abstract: It is important for organisations to set their strategies so they can envision long-term goals and plans to achieve them, and there are solidly established methods and studies about the subject. To manage technology development efforts is equally important, especially to decide which technologies should be invested in and when those technologies are ready to be used. The technology readiness levels (TRL), developed by NASA, appear as a method to inform managers about the readiness of technologies under development, thus helping organisations in their decision-making processes regarding technology and product development. The objective of this study is to understand the history and main characteristics of TRLs and how the method can benefit R&D management and technology transfer. Interviews were conducted with technology managers in an electric utility in the Northwest USA, and results show that competitive advantage can be achieved through the use of TRLs.

Keywords: technology readiness levels; TRL; technology readiness assessment; technology management; technology transfer; TT; R&D management; competitive advantage; energy technology management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIS.2018.090776

International Journal of Transitions and Innovation Systems, 2018 Vol.6 No.1, pp.48 - 61

Received: 17 Oct 2017
Accepted: 16 Dec 2017
Published online: 27 Mar 2018 *

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