Node A6 · Acronym decoder
CTE
Critical Technology Element
What it actually means
A technology a system depends on that is new or applied in a new way, such that its maturity is a program risk — the things technology readiness assessments actually assess. Identifying CTEs honestly is the hard part; programs have a structural incentive to define their riskiest technology as "not critical".
Where you'll meet it
Technology readiness assessments and milestone entrance criteria.