In a previous post, we detailed the use of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) as a guide to measure the maturity of a given technology. https://knowtransfer.com/blog/effective-technology-transfer-1/a-guide-to-technology-readiness-levels-trls-from-concept-to-commercialisation-10
Such classification was widely adopted in previous European grant funding calls, since a higher TRL value means a higher level of maturity — which seems good, right?
However, there are cases in which mature technology does not necessarily mean effective technology transfer or easy societal adoption.
To address this, the Societal Readiness Level (SRL) has recently emerged as a way to assess the level of societal adaptation for a particular social project, technology, product, process, intervention, or innovation — whether social or technical — to be integrated into society. If the societal readiness for a solution is expected to be low, suggestions for a realistic transition towards societal adaptation are required. Naturally, the lower the expected societal adaptation, the better the transition plan must be. SRL 1 is the lowest level and SRL 9 is the highest.
Societal Readiness Level (SRL) and brief definition:
- SRL 1 – Identifying the problem and assessing societal readiness
- SRL 2 – Formulating the problem, proposed solution(s), potential impact, and expected societal readiness; identifying relevant stakeholders
- SRL 3 – Initial testing of proposed solution(s) with relevant stakeholders
- SRL 4 – Problem validated through pilot testing in a relevant environment to substantiate proposed impact and societal readiness
- SRL 5 – Proposed solution(s) validated by relevant stakeholders in the field
- SRL 6 – Solution(s) demonstrated in a relevant environment in cooperation with stakeholders to gain initial feedback on potential impact
- SRL 7 – Refinement of the project and/or solution, with retesting if needed in a relevant environment with stakeholders
- SRL 8 – Proposed solution(s) and a plan for societal adaptation complete and qualified
- SRL 9 – Actual project solution(s) proven in a relevant environment
The use of SRL was recently included in the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 2025 Work Programme. Successful applicants should now reach stages SRL 4–6.
Stages SRL 4–6 represent developing the actual solution(s), testing the research hypothesis in the relevant context in cooperation with stakeholders, while maintaining focus on impact and society’s readiness for the product. In these stages, expectations for societal adaptation must be described in specific terms and, where possible, be part of the testing phase.
In our view, a good way to test societal acceptance of novel technology, a prototype, or a piece of knowledge is to include it in our specific sci-tech marketplace (https://knowtransfer.com/shop). The first marketplace for innovations, patents, and investments.
What do we offer?
- A fully functional platform
- Secure payments and automatic processing
- Increased visibility and cross-selling opportunities
- Test demand, sell in Europe, explore novel markets
- Even early MVPs or prototypes may be included