Socio-Industrial Level (Mechwarrior)

Universal Socio-Industrial Level Reference Table

Note that the USI level for a planetary system does not imply that every part of the population can enjoy that level; the USI level simply states if the system as a whole has that capacity in existence.

Technological Sophistication

• A High-tech world. Advanced research centres and universities; best medical care; cutting-edge microelectronics industry
• B Advanced world. Access to many new technologies; hosts universities; good medical care available (though lacking in most cutting-edge medical tech); basic microelectronics industry
• C Moderately advanced world. Average local education and medical care; minimal microelectronics industry (must be imported for sale)
• D Lower-tech world. Poor educational system; medical care equivalent to 21st century level; non-existent microelectronics industry (except for possible isolated companies run by private concerns)
• F Primitive world. Inhabitants live without dependence on technology; no advanced education; medical care equivalent to 20th century level (at best)

Industrial development

• A Heavily industrialized. Capable of manufacturing any and all complex products
• B Moderately industrialized. May produce a limited quantity and range of complex products
• C Basic heavy industry. Equivalent to roughly 22nd century tech; fusion technology possible, but no complex products (including BattleMechs)
• D Low industrialization. Roughly equivalent to mid-20th century level; fusion technology must be imported
• F No industrialization

Raw Material Dependence

• A Fully self-sufficient. System produces all needed raw materials and may export in large quantities
• B Mostly self-sufficient. System produces all needed raw materials and may export a small surplus
• C Self-sustaining. System produces some of its needed raw materials and imports the rest
• D Dependent. System is poor in raw materials and must import most of its material needs
• F Heavily dependent. System utterly reliant on imported materials to maintain industry and population

Industrial Output

• A High output. World has wide industrial and commercial base and may export in large quantities
• B Good output. World’s industrial and commercial bases sufficient for modest product export
• C Limited output. World has a small industrial base which limits exports; imported goods common
• D Negligible output. World’s industrial base insufficient for major exports; reliant on imported goods
• F No output. World must import most—if not all—of its heavy industrial and high-tech needs

Agricultural Dependence

• A Breadbasket. Planetary agricultural industries meet all local needs and sustain a thriving export trade
• B Abundant world. Rich agricultural environment sustains local needs and permits limited exports
• C Modest agriculture. Most food locally produced, though some agricultural needs rely on imports
• D Poor agriculture. Minimal agricultural output forces heavy reliance on off-world imports to sustain the local population
• F “Barren” world. Agricultural output cannot sustain the local population without continuous off-world imports