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The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale is used to assess the technological maturity of an innovation or technology before its operational implementation. This tool is commonly used in the field of research and development (R&D) to provide a common understanding of a technology’s degree of readiness.
TRL is a concept created by NASA
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) developed the TRL scale in the 1970s. Originally, this tool had 7 levels of maturity and was used to manage the technological risks of NASA programmes. It was not until 1995, however, that a final, global version of the scale was published, comprising 9 different maturity levels altogether.
Technology Maturity levels
The TRL scale is made up of nine levels, numbered from 1 to 9, representing different stages of technological development. Each TRL is associated with specific criteria that describe the characteristics and performance of the technology at that stage of development.
What is the meaning of TRL?
Evaluating a technology’s TRL enables us to understand where it is in its development cycle and to identify the remaining stages required to reach maturity and commercialization.
The scale is used by researchers, engineers, companies and organizations to assess the TRL.
The 9 levels of TRL
Stage: Idea
- TRL 1 – Fundamental research
This is the initial stage of research, where scientific principles are explored and understood. - TRL 2 – Applied research
Scientific principles are applied to develop technological concepts and prototypes. - TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept
Experiments are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology and validate the basic principles.
Stage: Prototype
- TRL 4 – Laboratory validation
The technology is tested in the laboratory to assess its performance and functionality. - TRL 5 – Simulated environment validation
The technology is tested in simulated conditions approximating the actual environment it is to be used in.
Stage: Validation
- TRL 6 – Validation in an operational environment
The technology is tested in an operational environment to assess its performance in real-life conditions. This crucial stage calls for the demonstration of an actual system’s prototype. - TRL 7 – Initial operational deployment
The technology is put to limited operational use and evaluated (at prototype scale) under real-life conditions.
Stage: Production
- TRL 8 – Operational use
The technology in its final form is operationalized on a large scale, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness. - TRL 9 – Market-ready technology
The technology in its final form is fully developed, validated and ready to be marketed and deployed on a large scale.
The TRL scale and public funding
Horizon Europe
In 2014, the TRL scale was incorporated in projects funded by the European Union (EU) as part of the Horizon 2020 framework programme.
The Horizon Europe programme then adopted the TRL scale as an indicator to improve the positioning of projects applied for in the programme. This unified scale enables applicants and evaluators to meet the expectations of the European Commission (EC).
This makes the TRL scale a key tool in the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework conditions for participation. To be eligible for funding, projects need to meet the following requirements:
| Activity | Funding rate | TRL |
| RIA Research & Innovation Actions | 100 % + 25 % | 4 – 6 |
| IA Innovation Actions | 70 % + 25 % | 6 – 8 |
| CSA Coordination & Support Actions | 100 % + 25 |
A higher TRL in a call text thus clearly indicates that the EC is looking for a more applicative solution within the project, while a lower TRL indicates that a more fundamental research project is expected.
The TRL is also used to indicate the ‘entry point‘, i.e. the maturity level of a given technology, product or process at the start of the project. In this case, the respective TRL serves as the ‘lower limit’.
TRL in innovation grants and subsidies
In the application procedure for subsidies and innovation, funding agencies use the TRL scale to assess the eligibility of different innovative projects.
TRL in Funding of innovation projects
TRL in Funding of investment projects
TRL Scale in Tax Credits Projects
The TRL scale is also used to assess the eligibility of projects for tax credits, such as the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and Innovation Tax Credit (CII).
Projects in the early stages of development are eligible for CIR, while projects further up the TRL scale are eligible for CII.
FI R&D Tax Calculator
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Research and development plays a fundamental role in the advancement of science, technology and innovation. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries recognize the importance of encouraging investment in R&D to boost economic growth and improve competitiveness.
In this sense, many countries have implemented a series of tax incentives to promote investment in R&D. These incentives seek to reduce the costs (and cover the risk) associated with research and development, encourage collaboration between companies and research centers, and stimulate the creation of highly qualified jobs in the private sector.
Tax incentives for R&D
One of the most common incentives is the tax deduction for R&D activities. This scheme allows companies to deduct a percentage of R&D expenses from their tax base, which reduces the tax burden and increases the resources available for investment in research and development. Some countries offer additional deductions for the hiring of qualified personnel or for the acquisition of technological equipment.
Another incentive used in many OECD countries is the R&D tax credit. This mechanism allows companies to obtain a tax credit equivalent to a percentage of R&D expenses. Tax credit is a direct benefit that individuals can use to reduce the tax payable or even obtain a cash refund if the credit exceeds the tax owed, unlike tax deduction.
In addition to direct tax incentives, some OECD countries have implemented special regimes for research and development, which offer additional benefits, such as exemption from taxes on income derived from the exploitation of patents or reduction of taxes on profits from patents. capital obtained from the sale of assets related to R&D.
In many cases, R&D tax incentives are designed to encourage collaboration between companies and research centers. For example, some countries allow the transfer of R&D tax credits between companies, facilitating collaboration on joint research projects. Other incentives include the possibility of deducting R&D expenses carried out by third parties, such as universities or research centers, as long as effective collaboration is established.
R&D Tax Incentives Intensity Map
It is important to highlight that tax incentives for R&D vary significantly between different countries. Each country has its own regulatory framework and establishes its own conditions and requirements to access tax benefits. Some countries offer more generous incentives, while others have stricter requirements. Therefore, it is essential that companies interested in taking advantage of these incentives consult the current legislation in each country and obtain appropriate advice.
For this map to be representative of the different nature of R&D tax incentives (volume- based and incremental tax credits, super deduction), we took the scenario of a large company with R&D expenses during the last 10 years. Every year the amount of eligible R&D expenses is growing, as such, the claimant can apply for incremental R&D tax credits and deductions. The effective return on the R&D expenses is shown in the legend as a percentage of posttax reduction.
How can FI Group help you?
At FI Group we have extensive knowledge and experience in obtaining these tax incentives on different continents, with a global and coordinated strategy that is also complemented by the management and obtaining of public aid and subsidies for different types of investments. The combination of both incentives, from a strategic point of view and from a financial point of view, can mean for the company an important differentiation and competitive advantage within its scope of action.
FI Group has over 20 years of experience. Our specialized experts are at your disposal to analyze the fit of your project and advise you on obtaining tax incentives. Contact us.
Innovation and technological development lie at the core of FI Group’s DNA, filtering down through every member of the group. These elements are deemed indispensable for fostering growth and bolstering the competitiveness of any country.
This stemmed from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where both national and international policies strategically pivoted towards promoting investment in R&D&I and energy efficiency to reignite various sector’s work after the pandemic.
Regional, national, and European grants emerged as the primary public tools to drive economic revitalisation and foster growth across continents. Adequate public funding plays a pivotal role in facilitating the execution of large-scale R&D projects, which are critical for addressing the challenges posed by the prevailing political and economic landscape. These grants not only present opportunities for entities to confront these challenges but also serve as catalysts, inspiring innovation, differentiation, and investment to ensure development.
Currently, the continent boasts over 100,000 funding opportunities, encompassing regional, national, and European grants. Recognising the significance of these public funding opportunities, we have assembled a panel of experts from different countries to engage in a comprehensive discussion on the subject.
Among those attending this round table were:
1. First question: How many calls are there in each of your countries?
«Just imagine, according to the Spanish national database, in 2022 there were 62,817 calls for proposals,» –AV.
«At the regional level alone in this 2023, 459 calls have already been opened» –NZ.
«And we are only in May, we still have more than half the year ahead of us»- FAC to which Roberta explains that in Italy right now there are more than 650 published and waiting for the publication of another 97.
2. What do the calls for proposals mean for the different companies?
«I think we all agree that these calls for proposals, at all levels and for all types of companies, mean the possibility of making an investment or starting a project that would otherwise be difficult to carry out,» –VO.
«I totally agree. In addition to the fact that it makes it possible to grow the business and expand into new markets, and even to become known as a key player in the different sectors, especially in R&D calls,» –RD
«We cannot forget that it has an incentive effect, and that it also makes it possible to achieve results in a shorter period of time than would be possible without these calls». – AV
3. What role does FI Group play in the achievement of these objectives? How can we accompany the different companies in these processes of application to the different calls?
«At the level of the processes of fitting into the calls, application, monitoring and justification; for a company it is a tremendously bureaucratic and complex process. Being able to count on a trusted partner with years of experience is essential,» –AV *while her colleagues nod in agreement.
«With the support of a specialised agent or one that is close to the convening agency is a «privilege» that few actors have in this ecosystem. FI Group has a long experience and great success in all the stages that my colleague explained earlier,» -FAC
«We have teams of experts in both technical and financial areas, without forgetting that we are part of the ecosystem and know all the parties involved, being active and proactive in creating value propositions to improve the systems and funds so that they are more attractive and competitive,» –MO
«We also help to involve one or more stakeholders in relation to the sector or area, and we help and accompany them to improve collaboration. This is precisely due to a large global database of contacts that we have been working on during the 20 years of FI Group’s existence, which allows us to support our clients in an aggregated way, both at multi-country, multi-sector and multi-service levels».-RD
«Absolutely. To a great extent to the experience acquired, the knowledge, the connection networks, we have the capacity to offer this multi-country, multi-sector and multi-service service, but we also continue to do it as the first day, with an individual team per client, with an exclusive and close accompaniment, always making their project ours» –NZ
4. What are the most strategic sectors right now?
«I think we all agree that currently the most strategic sectors, not only for FI Group but for the whole of Europe and therefore for our clients, are industry in general and specifically all the electro-intensive ones, as well as everything related to energy, decarbonisation and hydrogen,» –NZ
«Automotive, ICT, Tourism, biotechnology, textile, chemical…». – MO
«From FI Group we continue and will continue to accompany all companies in achieving their objectives and their R&D&i projects, solving their doubts, finding the best fit in consortia or accompanying them in the justifications of the calls they have already achieved. This is and will be the driving force of all the colleagues who are part of this company». –VO
Hit the links below to access their LinkedIn profiles:
The pandemic has led to a global economic and social crisis, and the European Union and Member States have had to adopt emergency measures. Among these, the creation of an exceptional temporary recovery instrument, the NextGenerationEU, has been agreed.
FI Group is an active player in multiple European countries that will benefits from NextGenerationEU. These countries include:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
FI Group has already developed a dedicated up and running Next Generation team in each of the countries listed. These teams are qualified to handle any questions or requirements your company might have regarding NextGenerationEU.
This recovery instrument is supported by 750 billion euros, part of which will be provided in the form of repayable loans (360 billion euros) and part of which will be provided in the form of non-repayable transfers (390 billion euros).
The EUR 750 billion will be distributed through different tools:
- EUR 672.5 billion through the Resilience and Recovery Mechanism
- EUR 47.5 billion distributed through ReactEU
- A further EUR 10 billion for the Just Transition Fund
- 7.5 billion which is earmarked for Rural Development
- 5 billion to be distributed through Horizon Europe and another 5.6 billion through InvestEU.
- RescEU will have a package of €1.9 billion
At FI Group we are supporting the entire value chain (startups, SMEs, large companies, knowledge centres, etc.) in areas such as:
- Agri-food
- Automotive
- Biopharma
- Digital Transformation
- Energy
- Industry
- Public Administrations
- Tourism
If you want to find out more about how your company could benefit, get in contact with our team today!
