The supplier industry contributes substantially to value creation in the oil and gas industry. StatoilHydro is therefore keen to support suppliers in developing new, innovative products and services.
The Product Development Programme (LOOP)
Through LOOP, StatoilHydro establishes project partnerships with industrial companies in order to:
- Develop new products and services which will cut the group’s costs, protect the environment and enhance safety.
- Commercialise new technology
- Establish new business opportunities for the supplier industry
The programme focuses particularly on the commercialisation and industrialisation phases of new technology: Prototype development, testing and verification, and market planning. LOOP supports products for use in any of the company’s business areas.
A successful programme
Since LOOP was established in 1991, it has been very successful: More than 2 out of 3 projects undertaken have resulted in commercial successes. In financial terms, more than 3 out of every 4 Norwegian Kroners invested in LOOP have produced a commercialised product.
Our contribution
Our contribution to a project via LOOP can include:
- Technical expertise
- Project supervision
- Pilot tests
- Establishing networks
- General advice
- Financial support
- Defining user requirements
There is no set rule for the size of financial support available. However, the recipient company must show a commitment to the project by providing part of the funding itself. StatoilHydro places particular emphasis on supporting product development in small to medium-sized companies. 45 percent of the companies supported so far have had fewer than 10 employees.
Procurement policy
StatoilHydro does not commit itself to purchasing the end product/service of a LOOP project once it is available on the market. The supplier must compete in the usual way for deliveries to the group. However, the company will contribute as far as possible to the testing of new products/services.
Extensive network
The group also belongs to an extensive network which links it with the Innovation Norway development and export promotion agency, research communities and Norwegian industrial companies. Through these links, contacts are forged with relevant partner institutions and enterprises which can be of assistance to supplier companies. Companies are also encouraged to investigate the public funding opportunities available.
Interested?
If you are interested in participating in the LOOP programme, please follow the link and find information on how to register your idea with StatoilHydro.
