4.4 Article

Technology development for the early detection of plant pests: a framework for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in environmental science

Journal

JOURNAL OF PLANT DISEASES AND PROTECTION
Volume 129, Issue 5, Pages 1249-1261

Publisher

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s41348-022-00599-3

Keywords

Innovation; Tree health; Biosecurity; Co-design; Knowledge implementation; Plant health surveillance

Funding

  1. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
  2. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  3. Economic and Social Research Council
  4. Forestry Commission
  5. Natural Environment Research Council
  6. Scottish Government

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This paper presents a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework for assessing the feasibility of tree pest and pathogen detection technologies. The study highlights the iterative process of technology development and the challenges in obtaining funding and considering the socio-ecological technical landscape. The TRL framework is found to be a robust approach for evaluating technologies, but integration and wider discussions are necessary for effective environmental management.
Innovation in environmental fields such as plant health is complex because of unbounded challenges and lack of certainty of commercial uptake. In this paper we present a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, specifically to assist with assessment of technologies to support detection of tree pests and pathogens, but also for wider potential adaptation. Biosecurity can be enhanced by improved early detection of pests and pathogens, but development and deployment of new technologies requires robust scrutiny. We critically analyse the concept, practice and applicability of TRLs. Interviews revealed scientist perspectives during the development process of five novel early plant pest and pathogen detection technologies. A retrospective, collective narrative of one technology from concept to commercial deployment was undertaken. We then developed a calculator tool for assessment of biosecurity TRLs. Our findings illustrate the iterative process of technology development, the challenges in final TRLs of acquiring funding to move from proven success to viable product, inefficiencies created through the need for multiple projects for each technology and the imperative to consider the wider socio-ecological technical landscape, including policy context. End user engagement was particularly valuable at beginning and end of the TRL scale. We conclude that the TRL framework comprises a robust approach to assess technologies in that it facilitates progress tracking, evaluation of success likelihood and identification of opportunities for investment. However, its potential will only be realised for environmental management if it is integrated into the socio-ecological technical landscape and wider discussions regarding knowledge co-production and valuing nature.

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