“More than 50 per cent of the attendees at OG21 are top level executives, government officials and decision makers from the governmental funding instruments. OG21 brings together oil companies, universities, research institutes, suppliers and governmental bodies, to develop and implement a national petroleum technology strategy for Norway.Thus, it is important to take part, to listen and to give input,” says Anne-Grete Ellingsen, CEO of GCE NODE.
She gave a presentation of a business development project headed by NODE and how explained how the project has resulted in increased digital competence and higher awareness of the use of digital tools to increase competitiveness and environmental focus. Ellingsen also participated in a panel discussion on the willingness to take risk and implement new technologies in the industry.
“GCE NODE has had tremendous success with digitalization processes that has included top management. Without the support and interest from executives, efforts within digitalization are destined to fail,” said Ellingsen.
Among the 300 attendees at OG21 Forum was Morten Kostøl, Sales Manager at Kristiansand Skruefabrikk og Mek. Verksted (KSMV). The 100-years-old workshop is close to sold out.
“Our order books are full. They are as full as they were in 2014, before the crash in oil prices. In this situation, there is a risk that we become too focused on deliveries and allocate all available resources to projects with a deadline, at the expense of research and development. This would be a mistake which we are determined not to make again. By attending events like OG21 Forum we continue to promote our products and services and to align ourselves with the industry’s demands and expectations,” says Morten Kostøl, Sales Manager at KSMV.
Tor Arne Hauge, CEO of Otechos, also came to take in the energy and to meet people.
«Everyone is very optimistic, and it rubs off. From my point-of-view, that is from my office in Tvedestrand, things are definitely looking up. This impression is reinforced here today,” says Hauge.
