Innovation and Technology

Innovation and technology is the foundation of a thriving UK oil and gas industry. Centres of excellence exist to develop new technologies and the UK finds itself at the forefront of industry in relation to offering new and innovative solutions to the energy sector.

Established in 1999 ITF (the Industry Technology Facilitator) is a 'not for profit' organisation owned by 26 major global operators and service companies. Their key objectives are to identify technology needs, foster innovation and facilitate the development and implementation of new technologies. To date ITF has been responsible in launching 161 new collaborative and revolutionary oilfield technology projects, securing direct ITF membership funding of around £50 million. ITF implement new technologies into the oilfield by the following means:

• Identify the shared technology needs of our member companies
• Seek out innovative solutions
• Access the technology development funds
• Launch collaborative joint industry projects
• Create field trial opportunities
• Deliver technology implementation

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is the UK’s national innovation agency. Their goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. TSB run several programmes to support companies, many of these programmes include support for energy supply chain companies.