A framework for technology assessment from different scientific viewpoints: Preliminary report

Technology assimilation is a complex process that requires effort from both engineering and business professionals. However, in practice, technology assimilation is generally supported with a single factor technology assessment tool, such as the technology readiness levels (TRLs) categorization. This paper argues that this approach is not sufficient in a complex business environment. The TRL levels do not provide the various stakeholders with a holistic viewpoint and are not designed to allow consideration of different types of technology in a way that can be broadly understood and accepted by all. This paper approaches the problem of technology integration by classifying technology from three different viewpoints. Specifically, this paper proposes a conceptual technology assessment framework (TAF) which employs the concepts of systems engineering, to integrate the three different technology viewpoints into a System of Systems (SoS) level framework. This prototype model is demonstrated by a previously published case study examining vehicle emissions.