Balanced readiness level assessment (BRLa): A tool for exploring new and emerging technologies.

In this paper a methodology for a balanced readiness assessment of novel agricultural technologies is developed and presented. The methodology expand on the well-known Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments, with a method for assessing TRL as well as Market Readiness Level (MRL), Regulatory Readiness Level (RRL), Acceptance Readiness Level (ARL), and Organizational Readiness Level (ORL) in concert. In the article the Balanced Readiness Level assessment (BRLa) methodology is employed and illustrated on 1) a set of 36 novel agricultural technologies, and 2) on the development of a technology for virtual agricultural fences. The empirical applications in this article indicates that the BRLa- methodology may serve as a fruitful approach for a compound assessment of emerging technologies. The methdodology is relevant for actors involved in advisory services, funding, investment and technology development.

Automated summary

This paper presents a methodology for a balanced readiness assessment of novel agricultural technologies, expanding on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments to include Market Readiness Level (MRL), Regulatory Readiness Level (RRL), Acceptance Readiness Level (ARL), and Organizational Readiness Level (ORL). The empirical applications show that this BRLa methodology could be a fruitful approach for a compound assessment of emerging technologies, relevant for actors involved in advisory services, funding, investment, and technology development.