The Story of Technology: How We Got Here and What the Future Holds

by Daniel M. Gerstein

KRLs can be very useful in assessing whether the technology area is sufficiently understood. Are the physical phenomena being employed well understood, or is further research or early development required to gain a fuller understanding? MRLs correspond to the producibility of the technology. Understanding the MRL is critical for a technology to cross the valley of death and become operationally relevant. Can the technology be produced in quantities needed to have an operational impact, or can it only be produced in small quantities? Does the product depend on component technologies with long lead times? Is there a viable supply chain for the technology to be produced (including any raw materials such as rare earth metals)? Publications can also provide insights into the maturity of the science and technology.