Technology Readiness, Innovation Gaps and Valleys of Death in Railway Innovation: A Scoping Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

This scoping review investigates existing literature describing innovation gaps, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and Valleys of Death in the context of the railways industry using the Joanna Briggs Institute's PRISMA approach. Incorporating modern technology into railway infrastructures is essential for increasing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This scoping review investigated, visualized, and analyzed the literature surrounding these topics using Bibliometrix. The review's main findings emphazise the growth in these topics over the last fifteen years and the lack thereof in certain regions. Thus, further research is needed to secure the required funding, getting technical expertise, determine the valleys of death in the railway sector, and determine TRL frameworks in the railway sector.