A Comprehensive Commercialization Framework for Nanocomposites Utilizing a Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach

Abstract

Nanocomposites provide outstanding benefits and possibilities compared to traditional composites but struggle to make it into the market due to the complexity and large number of associated challenges involved in, as well as lack of standards for, nanocomposite commercialization. This article proposes a commercialization framework utilizing market analysis and systems engineering to support the commercialization process of such high technologies. The article demonstrates the importance and usefulness of utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering throughout the commercialization process of nanocomposite technologies when combining it with the Lean LaunchPad approach and an engineering analysis. The framework was validated using a qualitative research method with a case study approach. Applying this framework to a nanocomposite, called ZT-CFRP technology, showed tremendous impacts on the commercialization process, such as reduced market and technological uncertainties, which limits the commercialization risk and increases the chance for capital funding. Furthermore, utilizing the framework helped to decrease the commercialization time and cost due to the use of a lean engineering analysis. This framework is intended to assist advanced material-based companies, material scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs in academia and the industry during the commercialization process by minimizing uncertainties and risks, while focusing resources to reduce time-to-market and development costs.

1. Introduction

1.1. The Complexity of Commercializing Nanocomposites

With the constantly growing needs and expectations of our society, material scientists are continuously trying to improve the design and performance of products and systems. For the past decade, nanocomposites (Nanocomposites are multiphase materials that consist of at least one nano-scale phase, e.g., nanoparticles or nanofillers) have shown promising results in terms of overcoming the limitations of traditional composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites), which could further expand the application range of such materials.

For example, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates, which are often a preferred material over metals due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, are used in industries (Examples of such industries are the aerospace, wind turbine, automotive, and sporting goods industry) where weight-savings and high performance are of critical importance. However, traditional CFRP laminates are prone to matrix-dominated damages (Matrix-dominated properties are mainly compressive failure, delamination, and shear failure.) [1] and have a low through-thickness conductivity due to their multi-ply structure [2]. These drawbacks limit the potential application uses of the material. Therefore, researchers are performing various research studies to overcome those weaknesses [3]. The use of nanofillers, e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon black (CB), and graphene have shown promising results in terms of increasing the material properties, e.g., mechanical, thermal and electrical, of CFRPs [4].

These promising results, in terms of the material properties that nanocomposites show, could push the boundaries of products and systems. However, their commercialization is currently limited due to numerous challenges in production, quality control, and marketing. Moreover, as discussed by Kordas [5], three main challenges hinder the commercialization of translational materials (e.g., nanocomposites): (1) the gap between academia and the industry in terms of strategic collaborations and information exchange; (2) the need for funding from funding agencies to bridge the gap between innovations and practical applications; and (3) the necessity of considering sustainability, including energy efficiency, when developing advanced materials. With the currently available methods and strategies, and due to the lack of knowledge related to the successful commercialization of nanocomposites, those technologies usually do not advance out of the development phase and never make it into the industry. Therefore, additional knowledge and new approaches are needed to shorten the commercialization time, cost and risk, and to ease the way towards the commercialization of nanocomposites. Additional research is required to increase the knowledge about individual nanocomposite properties and market uncertainties, and to improve the understanding of what parameters drive a successful nanocomposite commercialization process. This will require a holistic approach. Holistic thinking, which is an integral part of the systems engineering approach, will be more important than ever for commercializing nanocomposites.

This manuscript presents a newly proposed framework to support the commercialization of high technologies by not just reducing market uncertainties, but also technological uncertainties, to limit the commercialization risk and increases the chance for capital funding. The following sections provide a description of the proposed framework, including its scope and limitations, together with a validation based on a case study.

Sub-Section 1.2 provides background information regarding the development of the framework. Section 2 includes a description of the framework development methodology. Section 3 and Section 4 include a description of the framework, its validation, as well as limitations and additional discussions. The last section provides a summary of the results and findings together with future work suggestions.

1.2. The ZT-CFRP Technology and the National NSF I-Corps Teams Program

One example of such a nanocomposite technology that is currently on the verge of commercialization is the ZT-CFRP technology developed by Hsiao’s Research Group at the University of South Alabama [6]. The ZT-CFRP technology is a CFRP laminate reinforced with CNF z-threads, which improve the material’s mechanical, electrical and thermal properties [7,8,9,10,11]. This nanocomposite technology just reached the so-called technological ‘valley of death’ in terms of investment/funding opportunities (see Figure 1).

The ‘valley of death’ is the gap between academic research and industrial commercialization [11]. A technology usually falls into this investment gap due to the technology’s maturity level, i.e., its technology readiness level (TRL) [13]. At this point, the technology is too mature for academic research funding; meaning it is not considered as fundamental research anymore, which is a requirement for academic research funding. However, the technology is not mature enough for industrial commercialization funding due to too many uncertainties and the large risks involved for successful commercialization. Many potential breakthrough ideas do not make it through this ‘valley of death’, and therefore, never transition from laboratory research into societal applications. For this reason, the National Science Foundation (NSF) developed a new funding opportunity, called the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program [14]. The program is designed to help NSF-funded, basic research to bridge this gap and move technologies towards commercialization by reducing market uncertainties through the use of the Lean LaunchPad approach that was developed by Steve Blank [15].

The authors (Kirmse and Hsiao) went through the National NSF I-Corps Teams Program to perform a rigorous customer discovery process and to determine the commercialization potential of the ZT-CFRP technology. The performed customer discovery process, which was continued even after successful completion of the I-Corps program, involved over 120 interviews with industry experts within the aerospace, automotive, sporting goods and other composite-using industries in Europe (e.g., Germany and France) and throughout the United States. The program incorporates the Lean LaunchPad approach, which is a precursor of the well-known Lean Startup method (LSM) [16]. Using this approach, a commercialization strategy is developed and summarized on one page, called the Business Model Canvas, with the value propositions being the ‘heart’ of the whole commercialization strategy. Harms et al. [17] state that the LSM has excellent benefits when addressing market uncertainties. However, since advanced-material ventures also face high technological uncertainties [18], the LSM lacks additional features and requires significant customization to accommodate the networking component, which is essential during the commercialization process of nanotechnologies [18]. This research discovered similar limitations when applying the Lean LaunchPad approach to develop a commercialization strategy for the ZT-CFRP technology. Both market uncertainties and technological uncertainties have to be eliminated to produce a strong commercialization strategy with a high possibility for success. Furthermore, during the customer discovery process, the researchers discovered that even if a potentially strong commercialization strategy is developed, potential customers have to be convinced of the claimed value propositions. While nanocomposites were first introduced over a decade ago, they were overly hyped up due to their large potential. Due to dispersion and other issues, the technology struggled to live up to the hype, leaving potential customers disappointed. Therefore, relevant and meaningful material data have to be provided for the potential customers for them to consider testing this novel nanocomposite. Moreover, commercializing a new technology is very complex due to the involvement of many stakeholders and requires interaction between many different entities with different backgrounds. In many situations, while the engineering performance of the new materials is important, there are other factors the individual stakeholders consider as well.

Systems Engineering allows one to view these commercialization challenges from multiple perspectives. It helps to analyze the stakeholders’ inputs and behaviors in the system. Moreover, it provides the necessary tools and methodologies to identify individual connections between entities and other variables and, therefore, helps to identify the complexity of the overall problem and challenges [19]. One of those methodologies is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), which is a model-centric approach (as opposed to a document-centric approach). It helps to improve communication between stakeholders due to the visual support from the models. Furthermore, MBSE provides the capability to look at all aspects of the technology in terms of structure, behavior, requirements, and parametrics via the creation of a comprehensive high-level architecture model. [20,21]

The objectives of this study were to develop a commercialization support solution that helps not just with market uncertainties, but also with technological uncertainties. The framework needed to be superior to a traditional commercialization approach such as the Lean LaunchPad.

The researchers propose a framework in which MBSE plays an important role when trying to overcome the many market—and especially technological—uncertainties that arise during the commercialization of nanocomposites. Additionally, the authors further propose that this framework is a combination of the Lean LaunchPad approach, a Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology and a thorough engineering analysis, which would tremendously support the commercialization process of nanocomposites such as the ZT-CFRP technology, and therefore, shorten the time to market, reduce costs and limit the risks.

The proposed framework was developed and based on a case study for the ZT-CFRP technology. It was validated using a qualitative validation approach and the results of the case study. Part of the validation process was a qualitative comparison between the Lean LaunchPad approach and the proposed framework, with the focus on different factors such as the reduction in uncertainties as well as the likelihood of receiving funding. Moreover, other validation criteria, such as the effects and usefulness of this framework, were determined by comparing the commercialization status and technical readiness level (TRL) before and after utilizing the framework during the commercialization process of the ZT-CFRP technology.

The following section provides the methodology used for the development of the proposed framework, followed by the results and discussion sections.

2. Methodology

A qualitative research method in terms of a case study approach was used for the development and evaluation of the proposed commercialization framework. Such a method can be useful to study an issue or problem in its natural environment by allowing researchers to understand the issue or problem deeply with the help of real-life conditions [22]. The effects and usefulness of the framework are based on empirical studies of a nanocomposite technology, called ZT-CFRP technology.

The framework consists of three different analyses: a market analysis, a systems analysis, and an engineering analysis. The Lean LaunchPad Approach, developed by Steve Blank [15], and a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology were used for the market and systems analysis, respectively, to reduce/eliminate the market and technological uncertainties of the ZT-CFRP technology. The engineering analysis consisted of research studies that evaluate the material properties (i.e., interlaminar shear strength and compressive strength) of the ZT-CFRP nanocomposite, which are crucial elements for the commercialization process of the ZT-CFRP technology [7,8,9,10,23].

2.1. Market Analysis Overview (i.e., the Lean LaunchPad Approach)

The Lean LaunchPad approach is a rigorous customer discovery process used to create a viable business model, which will be represented on a business model canvas (BMC). The BMC consists of nine building blocks that connect with one another, which forms a commercialization strategy [24].

The main focus lies on the customer segmentation and the value propositions for the individual customer segments, where the value propositions are the heart of the BMC. Without a strong value proposition(s), the new venture will have a low survival rate.

Other building blocks for the BMC are: Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships and Cost Structure. More information about the process can be found in the books Value Proposition Design by Osterwalder et al. [25], Business Model Generation by Osterwalder and Pigneur [24] and The Startup Owner’s Manual by Blank and Dorf [26].

The Lean LaunchPad approach helps to identify the market size and structure of the market’s ecosystem, find potential customers and partnerships within the market, find viable value propositions and determine the demand creation budget and forecast as well as the customer acquisition cost, customer lifetime value, a revenue model strategy and pricing tactics.

2.2. Systems Analysis Overview (i.e., a Model-Based Systems Engineering Methodology)

As defined by the International Council on Systems Engineering [27]:

“Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.” (p. 15)

MBSE includes, for example, system architecture, behavioral analysis, performance analysis, simulation, requirement traceability, and testing. Models can help derive a consistent specification, as well as automating, analyzing and interrogating the system design. Furthermore, modeling is needed to improve communication across all stakeholders. Lately, MBSE tools have been expanded to bridge the gap between SysML (systems modeling language) and multidisciplinary analysis [20].

Weilkiens et al. [28] discuss the many benefits of MBSE, such as shorter system development times, increased customer satisfaction, reduced production costs due to less redesign, and better communication between development teams. According to Weilkiens, “If done right, systems architecture can be fun for all involved stakeholders.” (p. 14)

As summarized by INCOSE UK [21], MBSE has many goals and benefits. For example, utilizing MBSE can help with communication across engineering teams and between stakeholders, and even reduce spoken language barriers. Moreover, MBSE decreases risk while enhancing the overall quality and productivity. For example, it is possible to reduce costly errors and rework due to early testing through simulation during early stages of the product development process. In addition, mapping physical to logical and functional architecture all the way to the requirements ensures rigorous traceability for improved validation and verification, and allows for advanced impact and trade-off analyses. Lastly, MBSE can reduce overall development time through design automation and the reuse of existing developments.

Since SysML is a notation (i.e., a collection of related and integrated diagrams), there is no standard methodology. Therefore, it is up to the systems engineer/architect to determine the best utilization of SysML and to develop a methodology that best fits the architect’s needs. The MBSE methodology used by the researchers is summarized in a simplified version in Figure 2 [29]. This methodology is not a complete process, but it gives a good understanding of the modeling methodology to capture a system or even a system of systems (SoS) architecture. Following this methodology results in a comprehensive high-level architecture model that follows the first steps (i.e., the concept of operation and stakeholder requirement definition, and the system requirement and architecture definition) on the left-hand side of the systems engineering V-Model, while capturing the definition of the system in the form of requirements, behavior, structure, and parametric information (i.e., the four pillars of SysML). This methodology helps to “provide a rigorous basis of data and information for technical understanding in order to aid decision making across the life cycle” [30] of the ZT-CFRP technology.

The approach can also be described as follows [29]:

• Defining requirements.
• From requirements, requirements diagrams are created.
• Requirements are further described by use cases.
• Each Use Case is further specified using activity diagrams.
• Requirements, use cases and activity diagrams are used to build block definition diagrams (bdds).
• Moving from black-box to white-box views, blocks from bdds are decomposed to internal block diagrams (ibds).
• Requirement diagrams, bdds and ibds can be used to define constraints/performance parametric diagrams.
• Bdds, ibds, and use case models are used as the basis of Scenario Sequence Diagrams.
• Ibds and activity diagrams can be used as the basis of Interaction State Diagrams.
• In summary, this MBSE methodology helps to determine the stakeholders and their requirements, the system domain, the system requirements, as well as behavioral, structural (e.g., logical and physical) and parametrical information of the technology.

2.3. Engineering Analysis Overview

During the customer discovery process, consisting of over 120 interviews, it was discovered that even if a potentially strong commercialization strategy is developed, potential customers have to be convinced of the claimed value propositions. Relevant and meaningful material data have to be provided for the potential customers to even consider testing the novel nanocomposite. For this, an engineering analysis is needed that focuses on the material properties and performance aspects that are most relevant to the potential customers. Therefore, the engineering analysis is driven by the market and systems analysis.

Through the customer discovery process and interviews with potential customers for the ZT-CFRP technology, it was found that matrix-dominated properties (i.e., interlaminar shear strength and compressive strength) are the main properties that potential customers in the industry are interested in. The engineering analysis for the ZT-CFRP technology consisted of three research studies that were focused on developing a better understanding of these matrix-dominated properties and their failure behavior.

The first research study [10] analyzed the interlaminar shear properties and fracture behavior of the CFRP laminates containing CNF z-threads. The second research study [23] evaluated the longitudinal compressive strength of ZT-CFRP laminates and the failure behavior during compressive loading. During the customer discovery process, the strong need for weight-savings and multi-functional composites was identified. Thus, the third research study [31] evaluated a porous ZT-CFRP composite that contained CNF z-threads and had a very low resin content. For this third research study, it was hypothesized that the CNF z-threads provide structural stability to an otherwise weak porous composite. The three peer-reviewed papers were used to support and validate the value proposition claims as developed in the market analysis, and therefore, to gain the interest of potential customers.

3. Results

Based on the described methodology, a commercialization framework was developed, which is descripted and validated in this section.

3.1. The Proposed Commercialization Framework

Figure 3 shows an overview of the proposed commercialization framework for the ZT-CFRP technology. The diagram indicates how complex the commercialization process of nanocomposites is due to the multiple key drivers, which are all interconnected with one another.

Figure 4 shows this framework outlined in a V-Model to visualize the timeline of the proposed commercialization process. The proposed framework creates a strong commercialization strategy, which consists of a combination of a market, systems and engineering analysis. For the market analysis and systems analysis, the Lean LaunchPad approach and an MBSE methodology are used, respectively, which help to eliminate most of the commercialization uncertainties.

Examples of the market analysis are target market size, market ecosystem, potential partnerships, direct and indirect competition, pricing tactics, startup and operation costs, marketing channels, demand creation, budget and forecast, customer acquisition costs, customer lifetime value and revenue model strategy. How to perform those individual analyses is common knowledge and is, therefore, not discussed in further detail within this paper. The detailed analysis results can be found in the dissertation written by Kirmse [32]. A sample interview questionnaire and a summary of results for individual groups of stakeholders are included in Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively. The focus in terms of specific interviewee types was mainly decision makers and influencers for material choices and the designers of composite product manufacturing processes, all the way to end users. Job titles of interviewees included, e.g., product designer/engineer, VP of research and development, materials engineer/scientist, CEO/CTO/president (of smaller composite product manufacturers), R&D development engineer, and VP of engineering.

For the systems analysis, the scope of the system analyzed in this paper is summarized in a concept of operation (CONOPS) in Appendix C. In the same appendix section, a context diagram with a focus on the golf shaft industry (since this will be the entry market) together with a system domain and stakeholder diagram is provided. Other results of the system analysis are, for example, use case diagrams, activity diagrams, requirement decomposition diagrams, requirement traceability diagrams, parametric and constraint definition diagrams, as well as an outline of the logical and physical architecture of the system, including block definition diagrams, interface diagrams and allocation diagrams. The full systems analysis results can also be found in the dissertation written by Kirmse [32].

The combination of the market and systems analysis results in a commercialization strategy with a good chance of success due to reduced market and technology risks. However, for nanocomposites, such as the ZT-CFRP technology, potential customers required additional convincing to even try the new material due to unfruitful tries of nanocomposites in the past. An extensive engineering analysis, made up of research studies [10,23,31] that are driven by results of the market and systems analysis, are used to support the commercialization process by validating the value propositions to convince potential customers. The customer discovery process of the market analysis also provides the necessary information to perform a lean engineering analysis by narrowing down the testing focus and, therefore, saving resources. The engineering data support the customer acquisition (i.e., ‘get, keep, and grow’ process), as well as validating, supporting and influencing the value propositions. Furthermore, the engineering testing data from the engineering analysis now form the inputs for the parametric diagrams for the MBSE analysis. This shows that the proposed framework should be seen as an iterative and dynamic process.

3.2. Framework Validation

The presented study employed a qualitative research method using a case study approach to validate the authors’ propositions and the developed commercialization framework, as mentioned in sub-Section 1.2.

Table 1. Overview of the current technology/commercialization status of the ZT-CFRP technology.

Description	Initial Commercialization Status	Commercialization Status after Framework Utilization
Tested Material Properties	Mode-I Delamination [33] Through-Thickness DC Electrical Conductivity [11,34] Through-Thickness Thermal Conductivity [8]	Mode-I Delamination [33] Through-Thickness DC Electrical Conductivity [11,34] Through-Thickness Thermal Conductivity [8] ILSS [10] Compressive Strength [23] Porous Nanocomposite [31]
Tested CNF Concentration	0.1 wt% 1.0 wt%	0.1 wt% 0.5 wt% 1.0 wt%	P-ZT-CFRP: 0.85 wt% 2.0 wt%
Testing Focus	All material properties	Matrix-dominated properties (e.g., ILSS and compressive strength) based on needs of the sporting goods industry
Models	Unicell Model [35] Analytical Model of Through-Thickness Thermal Conductivity [8]	Unicell Model [35] Analytical Model of Through-Thickness Thermal Conductivity [8] Analytical Model of ILSS [10] Supporting Model for Compressive Strength [36] MBSE Model
Understanding of Failure Behavior	Low	High
Production Capabilities	Low Production Volume: 10 × 10 in./(2 days) of prepreg Prepreg Size: 10 × 10 in.	Medium Production Volume: 20 × 20 in./day of prepreg Prepreg Size: 20 × 20 in.
Potential Customer’s Willingness to Try This Technology	Low Reason: Not enough material data available; low production volume; prepreg size too small.	High Reason: Potential customers see great potential due to data for material property improvements.
Market Analysis	N/A	Yes
Systems Analysis	N/A	Yes
TRL	4	~5
Market Focus and Confidence Level	Focus: Aerospace Industry; Confidence Level: High; Support for Confidence Level: Initial aerospace funding	Focus: Golf Shaft Industry; Confidence Level: High; Support for Confidence Level: Material data and interviews with potential customers
Commercialization Strategy	N/A	Yes
Funding Opportunities	Low Reason: Not fundamental research anymore, but not mature enough for PFI or STTR/SBIR funding.	High Reason: Ideal level of maturity for PFI or STTR/SBIR funding.
Commercialization Risk	High	Medium/Low
Customer Acquisition Strategy	N/A	Publications, white papers, presentations, and material testing
Supply Chain	N/A	Yes Based on potential customers in the sporting goods industry
IP Security	Pending: US20160168342A1 a (US) CN105517781A a (China) JP2016527365A a (Japan) EP3027390A4 a (Europe) US20170240715A1 b (USA) JP2017528611A b (Japan) CN106795656A b (China) EP3189178A1 b (Europe) US20170182718A1 c (USA) EP3148711A1 c (Japan) CN106660068A c (Japan) EP3148711A1 c (Europe)	Granted: US10066065B2 a (USA) CN105517781B a (China) JP6462115B2c (Japan) Pending: JP2016527365A a (Japan) EP3027390A4 a (Europe) US20170240715A1 b (USA) JP2017528611A b (Japan) CN106795656A b (China) EP3189178A4 b (Europe) US20170182718A1 c (USA) CN106660068A c (China) EP3148711A4 c (Europe)

Notes: TRL: Technology Readiness Level; PFI: Partnership for Innovation; STTR: Small Business Technology Transfer; SBIR: Small Business Innovation Research. ^a Patent: Method for manufacturing nano-structurally aligned multi-scale composites [6]; ^b Patent: Porous Nanocomposite and Related Method [37]; ^c Patent: Apparatus and method for directional alignment of nanofibers in a porous medium [38].

shows a comparison between the commercialization status of the ZT-CFRP technology before and after applying the framework.

By following the proposed commercialization framework, it was possible to create a strong commercialization strategy with supported value propositions for the ZT-CFRP technology. The golf shaft market segment was identified as a promising market, and it was determined that potential customers would be much more willing to test the new technology due to the extensive material data. The interviews with potential customers helped to align the testing focus for the engineering analysis. With such a lean engineering analysis, resources could be saved since only the most necessary material tests were performed. This means that instead of testing all material properties, the focus was placed on the properties in which potential customers were considered to be interested. Furthermore, the interviews helped to identify and create connections and partnerships with suppliers that are part of the golf shaft market segment’s ecosystem. The results are that future tests can be performed with the relevant materials (i.e., carbon fibers and resin systems) that potential customers are currently using for their products.

These efforts improved the TRL ranking from 4 to ~5 (see Figure 5), with the probability of advancing to TRL 6 and 7 after potential customers have tested the technology and created prototypes from this new material. In addition, the technology has now reached an ideal level of maturity to receive funding through PFI (Partnership for Innovation), STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer), or SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research), etc., to help bridge the ‘valley of death’ towards industrial investments.

The comparison table shows how following the proposed commercialization framework clearly improved the chances of successful commercialization for the ZT-CFRP technology. This was achieved by reducing market and technological uncertainties, and therefore, the commercialization risk, by raising the willingness of potential customers to test the new technology, and by improving the technology’s maturity level for additional funding possibilities. Throughout this process, the engineering analysis was an essential part of validating the value proposition, and therefore, of supporting the commercialization of the ZT-CFRP technology.

The proposed commercialization framework forms a system in which each analysis method plays an important role, and when combined, they lead to a strong commercialization strategy with validated value propositions that increases the chance of commercialization for the technology. Figure 6 shows the difference between developing a business plan using the Lean LaunchPad approach and the new proposed commercialization framework. When using the Lean LaunchPad approach, a business plan is developed with the help of a business model canvas after performing a rigorous market analysis. Since this is not enough to commercialize a nanocomposite such as the ZT-CFRP technology, additional analyses are required to form a system of a market, system, and engineering analysis to develop a business plan. Only by combining the three analyses, it is possible to cover the market and technological uncertainties and to provide enough data to convince potential customers.

As shown in

Table 2. Framework validation summary.

Propositions	Validation Criteria
A framework in which MBSE plays an important role when trying to overcome the many market and especially technological uncertainties that arise during the commercialization of nanocomposites	Comparison of reduced uncertainties (market and technology) Improvement of chances for funding
The proposed framework is a combination of the Lean LaunchPad approach, a Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology and a thorough engineering analysis, which would tremendously support the commercialization process of nanocomposites such as the ZT-CFRP technology and, therefore, shorten the time to market, reduce costs and limit the risks.	Comparison of the commercialization status and technical readiness level (TRL) before and after utilizing the framework

, this validates and supports the earlier stated propositions of a framework in which MBSE plays an important role when trying to overcome the many market and especially technological uncertainties that arise during the commercialization of nanocomposites. Furthermore, the information gained from the market analysis interviews validate the proposition of the importance that MBSE plays during the commercialization process. For example, during the interviews it became clear that a good and deep understanding of the product (i.e., the system) is necessary to convince potential customers. Moreover, MBSE supports the communication of difficult concepts during customer and stakeholder interactions.

The comparison of the commercialization status and technical readiness level (TRL) before and after utilizing the framework also validates and supports that this framework, which is a combination of the Lean LaunchPad approach, a Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology and a thorough engineering analysis, tremendously supports the commercialization process of nanocomposites such as the ZT-CFRP technology and, therefore, shortens the time to market, reduces costs and limits the risks.

The framework requires multiple roles and responsibilities:

• A team lead that coordinates and overlooks the different analyses.
• A market analyst with background knowledge of the Lean LaunchPad approach that performs the market analysis (note that during the interviews, it is important that at least two people are present: one as the interview lead and question-asker, and one to take notes).
• A systems analyst with background knowledge in MBSE that performs the system analysis and develops the system architecture/model. A test engineer with deep background knowledge of the technology to develop a prototype and perform necessary tests.

Technically, one person could perform all analyses of the framework as long as he/she has a note-taker for the interviews. However, to use the proposed framework effectively, the authors suggest a group of people with enough knowledge of the individual analyses, as well as a team lead (e.g., a systems engineer). With a group of people, the individual analysis could be run in parallel and more efficiently. A culture should be created in which all involved parties have at least a basic understanding of the individual methods and the overall goal. For each analysis, an expert on the analysis and the technology should lead the team.

4. Discussion

4.1. Compariosn between Lean LaunchPad Approach and the Proposed Framework

The main difference between the two methods is that the Lean LaunchPad approach (which is a precursor of the Lean Startup method, LSM) focuses on identifying and overcoming market uncertainties by finding a successful business model, whereas the proposed framework combines the Lean LaunchPad approach with a systems analysis (MBSE methodology) and an engineering analysis. Such a symbiosis creates a comprehensive commercialization support structure that minimalizes not just market uncertainties, but also technological uncertainties, while providing a solid data structure to convince potential customer of a complex technology such as the ZT-CFRP technology.

The Lean LaunchPad analysis helps to analyze the market from the identification of viable value propositions all the way to the development of prizing, cost, and revenue strategies. However, this is just one part of the spectrum. Adding the systems analysis based on a MBSE methodology helps to identify and overcome technological uncertainties by developing a comprehensive system architecture model. The engineering analysis provides the necessary supporting data when approaching customers and convincing them of the technology’s benefits and advantages over other technologies. The data gained from the engineering and systems analysis can then be fed into the market analysis (and vice versa) to further specify the analyses.

Now, we will consider the challenges and uncertainties that the ZT-CFRP technology will face and how the two methods are of value. For the commercialization challenges of the ZT-CFRP technology, the Lean LaunchPad will help to identify if the market is large enough and sufficiently profitable. It will also help with other market uncertainties such as the startup cost for the new venture, the ecosystem and cash flow, pricing tactics, etc. This will help to reduce many of the market uncertainties. The knowledge gained from this Lean LaunchPad analysis can also be used as, e.g., a starting point within the systems analysis, which will then help to reduce technological uncertainties.

For the identified marketing issue, a large amount of supporting data (e.g., material property data) are required, and the customer and system requirements have to be known. Here, the individual diagrams (e.g., the system domain for the inputs and especially output to the environment, and the context diagram for the environmental and human risk) from the system architecture can have great value. For example, these diagrams can be used to communicate with the customer to help to market the technology and to reduce their concerns (e.g., health and safety issues, and environmental effects). Moreover, partnerships between different entities will be needed to overcome some of the commercialization challenges of nanocomposites. This will require communication between many experts from different backgrounds. Being able to communicate complex issues effectively and graphically will definitely help to reduce communication barriers and, therefore, support the commercialization process. This shows how valuable the system architecture is within the proposed commercialization framework, which means that MBSE is an excellent supporting tool for the nanocomposite commercialization process.

In conclusion, while it is difficult to provide a quantitative result on how much better the proposed framework is compared to only using the Lean LaunchPad approach, it is clear that combining the market analysis of the Lean LaunchPad approach with a system and engineering analysis has clear benefits such as the reduction in uncertainties and an increased chance of receiving funding, as well as offering better way of marketing to potential customers. Such a symbioses of the three analyses provides a promising foundation for a strong commercialization strategy.

4.2. Comparison to Other High Technology Commercialization Frameworks

An extensive reference search for other commercialization frameworks for high or advanced technologies led to very few results. The authors could not find any articles that discuss in detail the utilization of MBSE for high technologies and advanced materials.

A framework, called the “Lean Commercialization Framework”, which was developed by Gbadegeshin [39], provides detailed commercialization process steps that align with the core idea behind the proposed framework. While the lean commercialization framework focuses on the process, the proposed framework focuses more on the method and approaches. Another framework [40] for advanced technologies utilizes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results to support the commercialization process through the consideration of a technology’s sustainability. However, the framework only focuses on the support of funding, which is just one aspect of the commercialization challenges for high technologies. In contrast, the proposed commercialization framework is comprehensive. By incorporating the proposed framework, it is possible to address the earlier mentioned three grand challenges for the commercialization of translational materials (Kordas [5]). As mentioned earlier, the results from the systems analysis can be used to improve communications and information exchange, and to even identify sustainability potential of the developed technology. Furthermore, since market and technological uncertainties are reduced, the chances for funding from, e.g., funding agencies are much higher than before. Moreover, the proposed framework addresses many of the internal constraining factors for commercialization of high technologies summarized in the review article by Daneshjoovash [41], which includes a review of 30 articles. Those include, e.g., market and product uncertainty, limited financial resources, and traditional marketing. However, while the proposed framework shows much promise, it also has its limitations. Those limitations are discussed in the following sub-section.

4.3. Limitations of the Proposed Framework

The proposed framework is based on a case study research methodology, which at first can constrain a direct generalization of the framework for non-similar technologies. However, it provides a base and could be adapted easily for other advanced-material technologies since all of them have similar challenges and uncertainties, as discussed by Maine and Seegopaul [18]. Moreover, the framework was developed in the context of the United States markets.

Applying this framework in other countries will need the consideration of regional factors such as funding opportunities and existing funding systems, the availability of a qualified workforce, regulations and incentives for new inventions and startups, the local market ecosystem, as well as available technology resources. For example, funding opportunities and other factors may be different depending on the country in which the technology commercialization market effort is being pursued. Funding opportunities and support by the government vary from country to country, or even partially from state to state within the United States. Environmental consciousness that varies by region and country will also be a factor during the commercialization process. Additionally, different regulations for the use or the system’s end-of-life may exist. While those could be limiting factors for the technology’s commercialization, when applied effectively, the framework will help understand those reginal factors by providing necessary market and technological understanding to tackle them.

Internal organizational factors need to be considered as well when applying the proposed framework. For example, as mentioned earlier, the inclusion of a group of people with enough understanding of the individual analysis methods is recommended to effectively implement the proposed framework. Moreover, commercialization requires flexibility for pivoting and an error acceptance culture. Therefore, the organizational internal structure has to provide enough freedom and resources for the individuals.

Lastly, the technology on which the case study is based is not yet fully commercialized, and the framework has not been applied to other similar technologies. Therefore, the validation of this framework is constrained to the limited available data.

4.4. A MBSE Model for the Proposed Framework

As shown for the systems analysis, MBSE can be a powerful tool during the commercialization process of nanocomposites. Using MBSE and one of the SysML software tools (e.g., the Cameo Systems Modeler from No Magic, Rational Rhapsody from IBM, Enterprise Architect from Sparx Systems, or Astah SysML from Astah.net), it is possible to implement the whole framework into one comprehensive model by integrating and modeling the results of the market analysis to link those results with the results from the engineering analysis and the system model using SysML.

One difficulty during the commercialization process of nanocomposites (such as CFRPs reinforced with nanoparticles) is that each customer requires their own unique material system (i.e., a combination of a resin system and carbon fiber material). Using the MBSE model can help to identify quickly (upfront) if this new customer is economical in terms of price point and material performance. For this, the analytical model, as shown in one of the research articles [10], which helps to predict the interlaminar shear strength of the ZT-CFRP, could be implemented into the ZT-CFRP architecture (using, e.g., MATLAB). This could then be used when, for example, a new customer has a specific material requirement (e.g., a specific ILSS). The architecture could then be updated with new raw material properties, and the model would predict the new ILSS of the ZT-CFRP and determine if it satisfies the new requirements set by the customer. At the same time, the architecture would run an analysis to determine if the new raw materials provide enough profit due to the linkage between the amount the customer is willing to pay and the COGs. Such a model could partially automate the commercialization process by running multiple analyses in one model and validating several requirements at once.

5. Conclusions

The framework developed in this research is a combination of the Lean Launchpad Method, a Model-Based Systems Engineering methodology and a thorough engineering analysis. It helps to build a deeper understanding of the complexity of the commercialization process. Furthermore, while it proved useful in advancing academic research and could also be of help to industry experts during R&D (research and development) transformation by overcoming some of the main hurdles of the nanocomposites’ commercialization process, as other researchers adopt this approach, it may lead to more nanocomposite technologies making it out of the development stage, into the industry, and into the consumer’s hands. Therefore, material scientists would be able to accommodate the society’s needs for better-performing products and systems, and thus, make the currently impossible possible. Moreover, the framework is intended to assist advanced material-based companies, material scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs during the commercialization process by minimizing uncertainties and risks, while focusing resources to reduce time-to-market and development costs.

Future work should be focused on expanding the MBSE model, which could even be developed into a tool/software that could be directly adapted by entrepreneurs and scientists to support their commercialization process. Furthermore, additional validating case studies should be performed with other nanocomposite technologies or even other high technologies. The implementation of a life cycle analysis could also be beneficial in terms of increased identification of environmental effects.