Scalability & Replicability Self-Assessment Checklist

Purpose

This tool helps R&I projects identify gaps and opportunities related to scalability and replicability in project design and demonstration planning. It supports reflection on key factors and barriers, ensuring these dimensions are embedded in the project by design to maximize impact.

Participants

The checklist is intended for R&I project consortia, particularly coordinators, WP leaders and partners responsible for pilots or demonstrations. It is fully suitable for technical demonstrations and technology pilots, especially those involving integrated energy system solutions (e.g., smart grids, sector coupling, flexibility). For projects focused on digital platforms, business models, or cross-sectoral initiatives, some questions may require adaptation or further review to ensure relevance.

Steps to take:

1. Apply each checklist section to your full project or to each demonstration, ensuring coverage of all scalability and replicability dimensions.
2. Rate each question from 1 to 10 with an honest, evidence‑based self‑assessment of the project’s current status.
3. Briefly justify all low scores to clearly identify gaps, barriers, and improvement needs.
4. Use the justifications to define targeted corrective actions and make the assessment actionable.
5. Discuss results within the project team to validate interpretations, prioritize improvements, and integrate them into project planning.
6. Repeat the assessment at key stages (proposal design, demo planning, updates) to keep scalability and replicability “by design” throughout development.

Next Steps

Recommended Follow-Up Workshops:

• Exploitation Strategy Workshop to develop detailed strategies and action plans for each Key Exploitable Result.
• Market & Commercialization Readiness Workshop to assess and enhance market and commercialization readiness using the MCRL tool.
• Societal Readiness Workshop to evaluate and improve societal impact readiness using the SRL tool.

Expected Impacts

• Helps identify gaps and improvement needs related to scalability and replicability at an early stage.
• Supports stronger project and demonstration design by integrating scalability and replicability considerations from the outset.
• Aligns the team around priorities and targeted actions.
• Boosts potential for large‑scale deployment and cross‑context replication.
• Improves transparency and decision‑making, supporting stronger overall impact.

Tips for the Organiser

1. Agree on the assessment scope before scoring.
2. Use scores to trigger discussion, not as final judgments.
3. Look beyond technical performance to non-technical barriers.
4. Document assumptions, gaps and open questions for follow-up.