A model based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale to measure the maturity level of research projects that can become spinoffs in Higher Education Institutions

This article discusses the development of a model to evaluate the maturity level of research projects in the Higher Education Institutions (HEI). It is based on the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) with four different approaches: the TRL Calculator Approach, the Approach based on the NBR ISO 16290, the Percentual Approach, and the Approach by weights. Two instruments were elaborated and applied to sixty two projects selected by an intentional probabilistic sampling. The first instrument was addressed to technical projects, while the second one was focused on social ones. The parameters treated as variables are technological components, available resources, and business model. The proposed model allows the inclusion of the project manager's vision, analysis variables and the definition of the essential activities to overcome maturity levels. These factors lead to a comparison and comprehensive analysis of the reliable measurement maturity level approaches of the research projects from HEI that can be successfully transferred to society.