Measuring progress in a new energy technology deployment: The case of small modular reactors

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are increasingly recognised as a promising solution to address the global energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability. However, despite their potential, SMRs face systemic challenges that hinder their progression from conceptual designs to full commercial deployment. While existing literature identifies critical barriers individually, such as policy, regulation, financing, and supply chain development, integrated frameworks for assessing systemic progress remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by developing a novel, structured framework for evaluating the readiness of SMR deployment. Drawing on document analysis and 25 semi-structured expert interviews, a thematic analysis guided by abductive reasoning was conducted to identify the critical threshold criteria for the deployment of SMRs. A framework was then developed and operationalised across five core areas: policy support, licensing and regulatory readiness, financial viability, supply chain availability, and commercial readiness. The resulting framework offers policymakers, investors, and developers a practical tool for identifying bottlenecks, measuring systemic progress, and accelerating SMR deployment.