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Innovative technolo- gies tend to come with an element of risk. They are disrup- tive, threaten existing product lines and Voices often have no track record – particu- larly with start-ups.

Innovate or die. Newer and better tech is always needed in the oil & gas

In such cases, the ofshore oil & gas industry –even when companies aren’t exactly shouting to be frst in line, sector needs to adopt a more open mind

OE asked: set and see change as an opportunity for technology advancement rather than a threat to existing products and “How can technology innovation improve?” short-term revenues. At Camcon, we have managed to get the industry’s support for our digital gas lift solution

Universities and

The offshore op- by partnering direct with operators but national laboratories portunity is vast. other innovations are not always as routinely develop

According to IEA, successful.

technologies having over 300 billion bbl Ian Anderson, COO, Camcon Oil applicability in the of recoverable oil are petroleum industry. estimated in deepwa-

Most of these innova- ter. To maximize this tions will require sub- resource, we need to innovate how we

Innovation thrives stantial external investment. Early stage innovate; take ocean bottom seismic when there is sufcient technology companies, funded by angel and wide azimuth sensing, combined reward to justify the investors or venture capitalists, are a more with Shell’s GeoSigns software. It de- investment and risk. appropriate source of innovation for the livers results beyond the usual. But to

Improving technology petroleum industry and these companies innovation is about tackle future challenges in subsurface often welcome overtures from the oil putting the people and visualization, game-changing imag- industry. However, efective collaboration processes in place, ing solutions are needed. For Shell, it’s and having the determination to drive with small companies requires patience, a about collaborating with the best and through change. By taking a balanced long term vision and constant recognition brightest minds wherever they are, approach, introducing technology in of the major organizational diferences whatever sector they’re in, and how- incremental steps, the benefts are between large enterprises, such as oil & ever unusual the approach may be.

realized and the process can be further gas producers or oil service companies,

Gerald Schotman, Executive Vice stimulated and improved.

and small start-ups.

President Innovation R&D and

Ian Crowther, Sales and Marketing

John Barratt, CEO,

Chief Technology Offcer for Shell

Director, WFS Technologies

Oil & Gas Innovation Center

Norway has always fostered a positive environment towards

Access to new technologies and research is imperative for a innovation and Mirmorax has been fortunate to have the company to continually improve. Companies need a great network support of the industry and operators in developing our amongst technologists around the world; at City, we have access sampling and oil in water monitoring solutions. We have also to Honeywell’s research labs. It is important to balance research enjoyed access to some of the world’s most advanced testing between work targeting specifc outcomes (i.e. a widget that is 20% facilities to test our products and take us to the next level. faster and 50% lower cost) and “blue sky” research that focuses

However, there’s always room for improve- on fundamental enablers – i.e. MEMS technol- ment from ensuring that the right skills ogy, lasers, wireless etc. By embracing both are available in the marketplace through approaches, real innovation and creative results to more cost effective platforms being can be achieved.

available at industry events.

John Warburton, Strategic Marketing

Eivind Gransaether, CEO, Mirmorax

Manager at City Technology

Innovation happens in the interaction between qualifed people. In my opinion we can increase and improve innovation by organizing people with different skills and qualifcations in surroundings creating an open and relaxed atmosphere – however with a specifc target to work against. When an idea for a technology innovation is born, it needs to be fertilized and developed. Then access to tools, resources and funding in order to continue the process is vital. Lack of means to follow up on ideas kills the innovative culture.

Trond Olsen, Chief Executive Offcer, NCE Subsea

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