The document describes a techno-economic analysis framework aimed at valuing high-risk innovations through an integrated modeling approach that combines net present value (NPV), Monte Carlo simulation, and real options analysis. This method allows for a detailed understanding of risks and opportunities in uncertain markets by facilitating stakeholder engagement and optimizing decision-making strategies. By refining financial models using diverse expert inputs and scenario analyses, organizations can better navigate the complexities of innovation valuation.

1. Techno-Economic Analysis for
Innovation Valuation www.sark7.com
Integrated financial modeling & simulation for
OVERVIEW high-risk / high-reward innovation valuation
This integrated techno-economic analysis process offers a framework for undertaking complex valuation to guide strategic
decision making and to refine strategy. The method integrates Net Present Value (NPV), Monte Carlo simulation, and Real
Options Analysis (ROA) to extrapolate the value of an innovation, particularly when new and uncertain markets are involved.
Keywords: techno-economic analysis, valuation, innovation, strategy, management of uncertainty, optimization, IP, R&D, NPV, ROA
Identifying business
1 SCOPE objectives, model artifacts, data &
structure
Organizational identification of business needs, requirements, opportunities, challenges, risk
1 tolerance, and key historical data. A highly segmented NPV model provides a skeleton. A Project
Finance approach is utilized for value analysis, focusing on: 1) cash flows, 2) stakeholder
segmentation, and 3) explicit risk identification and allocation (i.e. partners, customers, financiers).
2
Providing insight into risks / opportunities
6
2 MODEL via integrating probability & scenario
5 3 analysis
Revenue streams NPV Model Monte Carlo Decision Tree Opportunity
Simulation Analysis Analysis
OPEX Costs
4
CAPEX expenditures
Financing
7
Static Net Present Value (NPV) analysis presents a highly linear and selective view of a
prospect, often overlooking key opportunities and risks. The techno-economic model framework
extends traditional Net Present Value (NPV) analysis via integrated Monte Carlo (probability) and
Real Options Analysis (scenarios) to facilitate robust analysis of risks and opportunities.
3 RANGES Continuously and iteratively refined, the model is an organizational artifact, bringing together
diverse experts and stakeholders into a unified, structured conversation. Economy and
Static variables are extended to ‘ranges’ (i.e. transparency are key: the model must be as simple as possible with a clear audit path concerning
min, max, average; historical probability key assumptions.
distributions) based upon historical data and
experts. Key variables are enhanced
according to an understanding of their Integrated simulation gives direct
probabilistic behavior, bringing insight to
variable factors affecting capital/operating
5 SIMULATE insight into volatility & sensitivity
costs, revenue, economic factors, etc.
Stakeholder Combined, Monte Carlo
D/E mix
componentization simulation and Decision Tree
Business structure Financing terms results show expected
ranges & sensitivities via
4 SCENARIOES Effect of
timing on COSTS
INVESTMENT
STRUCTURE
REVENUES
risk-adjusted NPV outcomes.
NPV Market The highly-segmented model
price
CAPEX
Market size provides both roll-up and
simulation analysis
deep-dive insights into
OPEX COST NPV REVENUE
Market
integrated strategic factors:
competition
Commodity OPTIMIZATION SIMULATION OPTIMIZATION Financial (granular):
simulation
Gross and uncertain factors (both risks & price analysis
Price elasticity Alternate uncertainties, price
opportunities) are added to the NPV model Scale analysis /
optimization scenarios variability, revenues, CAPEX/OP
via a branching Decision Tree. Such factors comparison (license, sell) EX, market price
FINANCIAL
could include: chance and cost of legal Proof-of-
Tax ENGINEERING Jurisdictional elasticity, currency & interest
concept or
suit, chance of subsidy/grant, market straight to structure arbitrage rates, etc...
size, R&D success/failure, chance of market? Derivative Grants & Currency Interest rate Scenario-based (gross):
competitor entering, alternate strategies for hedging subsidies forecasting forecasting investment, timing, scaling, PO
commercialization
C cost/savings, risk
(timing, scale, offering, licensing, partnering,
strategies, commercialization/r
sell). Decision Tree analysis allows for
evenue
advanced like-to-like introspection regarding
strategies, financing, market, k
macro-level risks and opportunities.
ey risks, etc…
Refine comparative scenarios by Review and validate: refine model via
6 OPTIMIZE x
optimizing structure, planning, timing… 7 ITERATE x
refined information and understandings
Integrated simulation allows for formal volatility, sensitivity, and
x The universal NPV basis allows for like-to-like comparisons across a
optimization analysis at both a gross and granular level (final NPV
diverse strategic portfolio. Comparative strategies can be refined:
and component-level). Gaining insight into systemic
structured financing, hybrid models (i.e. licensing, risk
dynamics, particular areas can be targeted for efficiency /
sharing), scaling, timing, tax, etc. Implicit stakeholder perceptions &
exploitation. Structured scenarios can then be tailored to optimize
assumptions are made explicit & verified throughout development and
profits and to reduce costs.
refinement of the model.