Backing for 140 technology projects at other companies has been given by Statoil through its LUP supplier development programme over the past decade.
About 100 licence and commercialisation agreements have also been concluded by the group on the basis of technical solutions developed in-house.
Representing an investment of almost NOK 300 million, these projects demonstrate that such collaboration is very successful for both Statoil and the supplier, says Morten Loktu.
As executive vice president for technology at Statoil, he adds: “We’ve taken a lead on innovation and new technology, and want to continue doing so.”
The group’s commercialisation programme also embraces shareholdings in roughly 20 small and medium-sized technology companies – including world leaders in their specialised market.
“Existing companies need innovation to safeguard their future value creation,” Mr Loktu observes.
But he emphasises that a resource base is also required in order to make a commitment to innovatory technology.
Statoil is today, 9 January, joining the Innovation Rogaland collaboration together with a number of other large companies and organisations in Rogaland county, which embraces Stavanger.
This body aims to stimulate innovatory development among members through exchange of experience, support, posing challenges and training.
The opening meeting is being held at the IB Centre in Statoil’s head office, in the presence of industry minister Ansgar Gabrielsen.