Enhancing Technology Readiness Assessment: The Engineering Severity Level Methodology and the Technical Readiness Level+ Classification

In this article, the author proposes a novel methodology to overcome the outstanding challenges in accurately assessing technology readiness for final real-world applications. The engineering severity level is a conceptual methodology that provides a simple, standardized, and quantitative method for assessing technology suitability in relation to real-world environments. It is a standalone assessment concept that offers advantages in generating an evidence base for accurate technology readiness assessment and early identification of developmental roadblocks derived from real-world requirements. Moreover, the methodology can be applied as a universal basis to enhance the technical readiness level classification assessment criteria. The benefits are exemplified in assessing quantum technologies for position, navigation, and timing requirements in defense applications.