Analyze and Evaluate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Works Submitted for Patent and Petty Patent Years 2018 - 2023 of Srinakharinwirot University

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the works that were filed for patents and petty patents between 2018 and 2023, and to analyze the evaluation results to plan policies to support the production of research works, creative works, and innovations, and to drive research works toward commercialization by collecting data to assess the level of technology readiness for industry. The research results from the assessment of the level of technology readiness for industry of the works that were filed for patents and petty patents between 2018 and 2023 of Srinakharinwirot University showed a total of 29 invention patent applications and 227 utility models, totaling 256 works. It was found that Srinakharinwirot University had works at TRL 1 - 3, which was the development of knowledge and basic research, with 32 works accounting for 12.5%; and TRL 4 - 7, which was the development and testing of prototypes at various levels according to the intensity and changing environment, such as laboratory prototypes and field prototypes, with 203 works accounting for 79.30%. At the TRL 8 level, works have been tested in appropriate quantities or tested for system stability within an appropriate period of time, and have passed quality tests and related standards, or in cases where the work does not require related standards, use conditions that are acceptable between the manufacturer and the user were used, with 15 works accounting for 5.86%; and at the TRL 9 level, the technology or product has been continuously used by customers in the market or has been used for public benefit, or other evidence showing actual use and acceptance was provided, with 6 works accounting for 2.34%. Srinakharinwirot University has research works at TRL 8 - 9 levels that are ready to transfer technology, totaling 21 works accounting for 8.20%. The university should select research works at levels 4 - 7, which are 203 works accounting for 79.30%, to visit research works and innovations in the form of presentations by displaying research works and innovations, select works and develop them to higher TRL levels, and further develop them until they are truly commercially beneficial by finding consultants for innovation development, resulting in research works that can meet consumer needs and can sell products well. This includes providing funding or pushing for funding from external sources to support entrepreneurs in producing products for market testing. The results of the research may help in setting goals and policy planning directions to support the production of research works, creative works, innovations, and management of intellectual property of the university, leading to the use of knowledge from research works and innovations of Srinakharinwirot University for commercial use, creating added economic value for the country.