KAZAKHSTAN UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS technology and R&d ...

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Assessing the solutions by their
mode of implementation in
Kazakhstan
Just as important as ranking the solutions
by their value and attractiveness was an
assessment of what will be needed to
implement the solutions in Kazakhstan. Firm
input and opinion from across the industry
was analysed in order to judge which
technologies (1) could be simply brought into
the country from outside, (2) could be brought
in but would need to be significantly adapted
to meet local conditions, or (3) would need
considerable research and development in
Kazakhstan to make them viable. The results
are shown in the tables of the solutions on
pages 17-21.
Solutions in category 1 have been described
as transferred solutions, those in category
2 adapted solutions, and those in category
3 invented solutions. Now, even transferred
solutions are likely to involve some technical
input in the early stage of their general
deployment. Thus, there is actually a technical
R&D capability incline on which the solutions
lie. Transferred solutions will need only low
technical R&D input; invented solutions will
need a high one.
While true innovation is to be commended,
it makes great sense, if possible, to take
advantage of technology that has been
thoroughly researched and developed – and
proven in use by others. There is much to
be said for being a so-called fast-follower
of technology. Powers of invention should
be saved for challenges that are unique
to Kazakhstan, or where the country has
outstanding capabilities.
Depending on the nature of the technology
solution, different parties will have roles
to play in their implementation. The
operating companies, the international
service companies, local industry and the
academic community may all be involved
to some extent or another. Rarely is a single
party likely to make an impact on its own,
a fact made clear in the table and which
reinforces the message that progress in
technology terms in Kazakhstan will be fastest
when there are good communications and
effective collaboration between the various
stakeholders in the upstream oil and gas
industry.
The assessment is intended to help different
parties better understand what is going to be
required to bring the Kazakhstan upstream
oil and gas industry into line with those in
leading countries around the world. Most
importantly, it provides an indicator of where
effort can best be applied to enhance the
implementation of key new technology
solutions in Kazakhstan.
The findings of this assessment have been
combined with those of the topic mapping
exercise to provide the input for the R&D,
local industry and skills maps. From these
have been derived the main findings of the
overall Kazakhstan upstream oil and gas
technology and R&D roadmapping project.
Kazakhstan Upstream oil and gas technology and R&D roadmap