Yazeed A. Al-Owaid, Abdoulelah N. Hannabi
Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia
1. Abstract #
Innovation and technology programs are among the top priority for the success of any industry around the globe. Combining these programs addresses the key gaps that are found on the current practices where a culture of innovation, eco-system and sustainability is captivated by leveraging disruptive technologies including but not limited to generative AI, digital twin, VR …. Etc. The impact of utilizing a top to bottom approach in running a business has created a barrier in the workforce to adopt new technologies or brainstorm innovative ideas. Even with the engagement form management, leadership, allocating resources, rewards and metrics, yet, it is challenging to experience the change of culture, achieve what innovation program are designed for to gain a competitive edge. Thus, a comprehensive program was established where technology and innovation are presented in one platform. This platform is designed to showcase innovative ideas, technology projects and on-going virtual campaigns across the organization.
To improve and streamline innovative ideas, guiding principles, procedures and the recommended best practices in a concise description were provided and delivered with the help of generative AI that is impeded within the innovation and technology platform. The generative AI is a one example of combining innovation and technology to gain insight based on the organization accumulated experience which were formulated into best practices and procedures along with other suggestions received by the users directly. The ultimate goal of this program is an autonomous and structured approach to refine innovative idea management processes and make it more efficient and valuable. Key metrices were developed as a starting point and are adopted to achieve a set of goals in a value adding system to constantly improve the innovation culture with the focus on quality, scalability and impact on the organization.
Part of the key metrics are the participation rate, idea review rate, approval rate, implementation rate and innovation realized value. These metrics were the starting point to measure the effectiveness of the innovation program. However, when combined with technology deployment, more metrics are added including: technology realized value, approved technology utilization, development of technology roadmap and others. As a result, this unique innovative and technology program has paved the way toward creating the culture of innovation. In addition, it proved its credibility through a comprehensive platform equipped with the necessary tools to effectively evaluate and process innovative ideas and technologies. Moreover, it provided a dynamic guideline for improving the idea evaluation process and enhancing the implementations of innovative ideas and technology deployment companywide.
Keywords: Innovation, Technology , culture.
2. Introduction #
Innovation and Technology are a top priority for all successful organization around the globe. Exploiting employee creativity within the organization is the way to stay competitive. Effectively utilizing that creativity requires a defined strategy, process and culture to fully realize the benefits. While the need for Innovation and Technology are universally accepted, not everyone knows how to create and sustain the desired innovative environment. The key elements of a successful Innovation and Technology program include: Culture and Leadership, Innovation and Technology Roadmap and framework, Metrics and Rewards.
This paper seeks to provide a concise description of the guiding principles, procedures and the recommended best practices governing innovation and technology management. The ultimate goal is a structured approach to refine selected proposals and idea management processes and make it more efficient and valuable. In addition to the establishment of a value adding approach where the main focus is on the quality of the proposals and ideas as well as their added value to the organization.
The best practices and procedures are the outcome of the organization accumulated experience that is formulated in proposals and idea management, corporate discussions among subject matter experts (SMEs) and suggestions received by the organization’s employees. This paper will revolve around the process of adopting innovation and technology deployment program in oil and gas industrial setup that provides the necessary outlines to effectively evaluate and process innovative ideas and technologies submitted via a dedicated Portal. In addition to providing a guideline for improving the proposal and idea evaluation process and enhancing the implementations of innovative ideas and technology deployment across the organization.
3. Objectives #
The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a comprehensive program toward adopting innovative culture and foster technology deployment in the organization with the focus on oil and gas industry. In addition to providing examples on how disruptive technologies contributes toward fostering innovation. The program is driven by multiple aspect where the following were carefully considered during the establishment and planning phase:
- Culture and leadership
- Deployment framework
- Performance measure
- Integrating disruptive technology
4. Innovation and Technology Culture and Leadership #
An innovation and technology committee is formed within the organization and consist of leadership rules and SMEs to evaluate, approve and implement proposal and ideas that are submitted for the consideration by the Committee Members. The committee main role is managing ideas submitted to create value out of their implementation, and a complementary role of promoting innovation and technology deployment program.
The team responsibility is to ensure strategic alignment within the organization to meet the program objective, streamline innovation and technology deployment and maximize value realization.
Following are the key roles and responsibilities of the committee:
- Scout and identify latest trend
- Collaborate, communicate, and coordinate innovative idea demonstration and technologies for piloting, deployment and utilization and capture lesson learned
- Monitor the execution of the innovation and technology program
- Provide and retain documented information as evidence of innovation and technology evaluation forms, value realization, quotations, assessments, studies, etc
- Provide technical support to enhance and optimize innovation and technology program
- Provide progress updates related to innovation and technology adoption, deployment and utilization.
- Oversee progress, action items and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for each of the selected innovative idea and technology
One aspect of promoting the program is through Innovation and Technology Campaigns that are focused to address organizational challenges in which several ideation sessions are conducted to build business cases and deliver a path forward to enhance current processes, improve current practices and resolve challenges. Theses campaigns target, but not limited to, the below areas of interest:
- Safety enhancement
- Process improvement
- Environmental and sustainability
- Process control and cybersecurity
- Circular economy
Collaboration plays a vital rule in the success of piloting, deploying and implementing innovation and technology proposals and ideas. Thus, Innovation and technology program must forge several external and internal collaborated with SMESs, suppliers and vendors. One benefit of the collaboration is enabling the organization to receive innovation and technology deployment success stories with high adoption potential in the relevant field.
The team responsibility is to align all deployment efforts of within the department, review and evaluate applicable innovative ideas and technologies with a focus on multiple trends including digital transformation and industrial revolution technologies (IR 4.0). The objective of the team is to streamline technologies’ deployment for value realization within the department.
5. Innovation and Technology Roadmap #
To enable successful Innovation and Technology Deployment a dedicated roadmap shall be developed to streamline the selection and implementation processes of innovative ideas and technologies as an enabler to attend organizational challenges and seize opportunities. The roadmap shown includes deployment framework in Figure-1, processes, challenges and opportunities, performance monitoring and training & development. For oil and gas industry, the deployment framework is developed tailored two (2) driver, ten (10) domains, twelve (12) digital tracks, three (3) strategic initiatives, six (6) enablers and four (4) processes which is focused to sustain the organization status as an energy producer and further improve the implementation of innovative ideas and state-of-art technologies.
Figure 1: Innovation and Technology Framework
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Innovation and Technology Driver
Any organization encounters significant technical and operational challenges and opportunities to produce its products at safe, cost effective, and reliable manner associated with less energy, lower emission and process improvement. An example of selected challenges based on the following attributes are shown in Figure-2:
- Value Creation
- Process improvement
- Compliance requirement
- Operational and technical challenges
- Opportunity capture
Figure 2: Example of selected challenges for an Oil and Gas producing facility
- Innovation and Technology Domains
To streamline and focus the innovation and technology program, a set of ten (10) domains were identified which are customized for oil and gas industry mainly oil producing facilities that includes the following: Stationary Equipment, Environmental, Material & Corrosion, Electrical, Upstream Process, Non-Metallic, Energy Efficiency, Rotating Equipment, Advance Process Solution Analytics, Inspection. Any submission under the program will be classified under which domain to enabled faster process and allocate the required resources for adoption and implementation.
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Innovation and Technology Digital Tracks
The digital tracks act as another layer of classification to streamline and focus the innovation and technology program, a set of twelve (12) tracks were identified which are customized for oil and gas industry mainly oil producing facilities that includes the following: Robotics & UAV, DT Cybersecurity, Mobility & DevOps, Smart Plant, Operational Analytics, Enterprise Analytics, Digital Twin, IBPM, RPA & Chatbot, AR / VR, Geospatial & Aerospace and Additive Manufacturing. If a submission falls under the digital track, it will have another set of SMEs for further evaluation.
- Innovation and Technology Strategic Initiatives
The strategic initiatives act as another layer of classification to streamline and focus the innovation and technology program, a set of three (3) strategic initiatives were identified which are customized for oil and gas industry mainly oil producing facilities that includes the following: maximize assets utilization, drive toward agile operations and embrace unmanned operation. If a submission contributes to the strategic initiatives, it will have more weight and focus by the organization.
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Innovation and Technology Enablers
The enablers provide a framework for the innovation & technology program, a set of six (6) enablers were identified which are customized for oil and gas industry mainly oil producing facilities that includes the following: Collaboration, Governance, Workforce talent, Funding, Stakeholders. Each enabler outlines the required resources for any submission under the program.
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Innovation and Technology Processes
Once a submission is selected, after identifying the challenges / opportunity and streamlining process that include allocating required enablers, the innovation and technology process provide a holistic overview about theses stages which includes a set of four (4) processes that were identified which are customized for oil and gas industry mainly oil producing facilities that includes the following: scouting, Identification, Evaluation, Deployment. A detailed process is illustrated below for innovative idea development along with technology deployment / adoption.
The innovation development detailed process shown in table-1 includes the following:
Table 1: Innovative Idea Development Lifecycle Process
| ID | Process Step | Description |
| 0 | Submittal | Submittal of the innovative idea or proposal through a portal |
| 1 | Evaluation | The Innovation and technology committee along with SMEs evaluates the submittals against a pre-defined acceptance criterion |
| 2 | Approval | If the submission passed the evaluation, it is approved submittal and will be selected for implementation |
| 3 | Funding | The selected submittal for implementation, will be availed the required resources for execution |
| 4 | Execution | Once the submittal is executed, the value realization will be uploaded to the portal |
The technology development detailed process shown in table-2 includes the following:
Table 2: Technology Deployment Lifecycle Process
| ID | Process Step | Description |
| 0 | Applicability Check | Technology is being checked for its applicability to the operation of the organization |
| 1 | Planning | Technology is applicable and being planned for PoC or deployment |
| 2 | PoC/Deployment <30% | Technology is in PoC phase or its deployment is 30% or less of the total potential implementation locations/users |
| 3 | Deployment >30% | Technology deployment is between 30% and 100% of the total potential implementation locations/users |
| 4 | Utilization 100% | Technology deployment is 100% and it is integral part of the mainstream operation |
A streamlined approach is orchestrated for evaluation and scoring where if the score is 10 or more, the idea is approved, otherwise, the idea is archived. Figure-3 shows the evaluation form:
Figure 3: Idea / proposal evaluation form
6. Innovation and Technology Metrics and Rewards #
Rewards are an integral part of the innovation and technology program. Some rewards are to encourage the use of the submission portal to capture innovative ideas / technology proposals by rewarding employees who submit above a certain number of ideas / proposals. Other rewards are focused on improving the quality of ideas / proposals. It is critical to recognize exceptional performance in specific tasks that relate to innovation and technology as part of an organization’s recognition program.
To measure the performance of the innovation and technology program, a set of KPIs were orchestrated as detailed in table 3. Target Frequency
Table 3: List of KPIs that governs the innovation and technology program
| Performance Measures | Description |
| Employees Innovation Participation Rate (%) | (# Employees submitting Ideas)
X100 (#Employees) |
| Innovation Excellence
Index |
The IEI is a composite index which measures the major components of organization’s Innovation Ecosystem
0.1 * (Participation Rate (PR)/PR target) + 0.2 * (Review Rate (RR)/RR Target) + 0.1 * (Average Review Time (ART) < ART target) + 0.1 * (Approval Rate (AR)/AR Target) + 0.2 * (Implementation Rate (IR)/IR Target) + 0.3 * (Innovation Realized Value (IRV)/IRV target) |
| # of Filed Patents | # of Filed patents each quarter |
| # of Granted Patents | # of Granted patents each quarter |
| Technology
Deployments Index (TDI) |
The TDI is a composite index which measures the following components
Planning: Number of Planned Technologies (%40) Execution: Percentage of Deployed Technologies ( %30) Post Deployment: Value Realized from Technology Deployment ( %30) |
7. Fostering Innovation and Leveraging Technology #
After completing all essential steps to construct an effective innovation and technology program as highlighted in previous sections, integrating technology into the innovation process plays in essential rule to excel in the implementation phase of the program. A key success that was noticed is the introduction of multiple state of the art technologies that boosted the innovation culture. The following key points will have an introduction about some the technologies and their use toward creating a culture of innovation.
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Virtual Assistance
Virtual Assistants are transforming the way we interact with technology, providing personalized support and assistance to users across a wide range of industries and applications. By leveraging large language model, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Virtual Assistants can understand and respond in a verity of inputs including text-based massages, enabling users to effortlessly complete tasks, access information, and manage their day to day activities. As the technology continues to advance, it is expected to see Virtual Assistants become even more sophisticated, intuitive, driving increased adoption across industries.
Integrating a dedicated virtual assistance through a chat bot application, enable employee to access on spot knowledge inquiry resolution, question answering and building expertise with the vast knowledge that any organization holds. Thus, contributing to the adoption of innovation and technology program by exploring previous submittals and success story.
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Robotics Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is revolutionizing the way organizations approach repetitive, rule-based tasks, labor intensive from routine activities and focus the capacity for higher-value tasks that drive innovation and growth. By deploying software robots to automate tasks, RPA enables organizations to streamline processes, reduce errors, and increase productivity, while also reducing operational costs. With RPA, businesses can automate tasks across multiple systems, applications, and departments, creating a more agile and responsive organization that can adapt quickly. Moreover, RPA provides a platform for organizations to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics, enabling them to make data-driven decisions, identify new business opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition. As RPA continues to mature, it is inevitable to transform industries and unlock new opportunities for efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
A system that monitor itself and flag bad actors KPI on frequent basis through the advancement of RPA where automated performance reports are generated and sent to the concerned parties for their action. Thus, enabling leaders of the organization to overlook the performance and effectiveness of the innovation and technology program
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AR / VR training
The immersive technologies of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming the way we interact, learn, and experience the world around us. By blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital realms, AR/VR is unlocking new possibilities for education, and enterprise. With AR, users can overlay digital information onto real-world environments, enhancing everyday experiences and revolutionizing industries. Meanwhile, VR is transporting users to entirely new dimensions, enabling immersive training simulations and virtual operation demonstrations. As AR/VR technologies continue to mature, we can expect to see widespread adoption across sectors, with the potential to drive significant productivity gains, improved customer engagement, and extraordinary levels of innovation and creativity.
Taking a virtual course and then applying the thermotical knowledge into a real-world scenario has gotten much easier with the integration of AR/VR training which enabled iterative experience to be enriched through multiple scenarios where employee creativity is unlocked to come up with suggestion instead of waiting for a real scenario that act as an enhancement opportunity. Thus, enriching employee with scenarios that strike their contribution to the innovation and technology program by enabling a semi like hands on experience.
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3D printing
The advancement of 3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape, enabling the rapid creation of complex geometries and customized products with unprecedented precision and speed. By leveraging additive manufacturing techniques, organizations can significantly reduce production time, material waste, and labor costs, while also unlocking new possibilities for product design and innovation. Furthermore, 3D printing has the potential to democratize access to prototyping and production, empowering innovative ideas to created and brought to life. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see widespread adoption across industries, with 3D printing playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the years to come.
Prototyping is never an issue with additive manufacturing approach to swiftly fabricate and test innovative idea on the spot for new design and enabled the exploration of its limitation and flaws before the final product. Thus, enabling employee to explore ideas and effectively participate in the innovation and technology program by testing and proving their concept in the physical world.
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Digital twin
The concept of Digital Twin is redefining the way we design, operate, and maintain complex systems, from industrial equipment and infrastructure to entire plant and ecosystems. By creating a virtual replica of a physical entity, Digital Twin technology enables real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis of its performance, behavior, and potential failures. This enable predictive maintenance, optimized operations, and data-driven decision-making, resulting in significant reductions in costs, downtime, and environmental impact. In addition, Digital Twin empowers the creation of “what-if” scenarios, facilitating the testing of new ideas, and the acceleration of innovation and technology adoption. As the Digital Twin ecosystem continues to evolve, it is poised to transform industries and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences.
Visualizing the internal parts without the need and hassle of lengthy dismantling process is now at hand with the use of digital twin and 3D visualization that enable the exploration of potential optimization opportunities when combined with simulation and facility historical data and performance. Thus, employee can have access to future what if scenarios and thus promoting the culture of adopting new ideas and testing new technology with minimum cost supporting the innovation and technology program.
8. Conclusion #
This paper demonstrated the key aspects of a successful innovation program by combining it with technology program within the organization primarily focused on an oil and gas industrial set up and producing facilities. In addition, a unique approach is elucidated toward creating a comprehensive innovation and technology program that address current practices gaps. By creating a common platform to govern submittals with the ability of spreading awareness through virtual assistant using generative AI encapsulated in a chatbot and other means of disruptive technologies such as AR/VR, 3D printing, RPA and digital twin that drives innovation culture and business growth. Embracing cutting-edge technologies enables the organization to unlock new opportunities for value creation, sustainability, operation efficiency and competitiveness.
In summary, the below ten (10) main takeaway from the paper where disruptive technologies have the potential to drive the innovation culture are as follow:
- Leadership and vision: The adoption of disruptive technology requires visionary leadership and a clear understanding of the potential risks and opportunities. Leaders need to prioritize innovation, communicate the importance of technological change, and provide direction and guidance to the team.
- Business alignment: Disruptive technology often requires a cultural shift within an organization. Leaders need to foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning to ensure that employees are equipped to work effectively with new technologies.
- Fostering innovation culture: The rapid pace of technological change requires employees to continuously update their skills and knowledge. Organizations need to invest in training and development programs that support lifelong learning and adaptability.
- Talent development: Attracting and retaining talent with the necessary skills to work with disruptive technology is critical. Organizations may need to invest in training programs, and partnerships with external and internal entities.
- Building partnerships and collaborations: Disruptive technology often requires collaboration with external partners, startups, and research institutions. Organizations need to develop strategies for building and maintaining these relationships to stay at the forefront of technological innovation.
- Strategic planning: To successfully leverage disruptive technology, organizations need to have a clear strategy in place. This involves identifying areas where technology can add the most value, assessing potential risks and challenges, and developing a roadmap for implementation.
- Staying ahead of the curve: The pace of technological change is rapid, and organizations need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the competition. This involves continuously monitoring emerging trends, assessing their potential impact, and making strategic investments in new opportunities.
- Impact and value realization: The adoption of disruptive technology can have far-reaching consequences, driving economic growth, and business continuity. As such, it’s essential for organizations to consider the impact and value creation of their technology investments and to prioritize responsible innovation.
- Developing metrics for success: Evaluating the success of disruptive technology initiatives requires new metrics and benchmarks. Organizations need to develop frameworks for measuring the impact of their technology investments on innovation, growth, and competitiveness.
- Utilizing disruptive technology: Disruptive technology can bring about significant changes in how businesses operate, creating new opportunities that enabled the adoption of innovation and technology program.
As we move forward in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business landscape, it is imperative that leaders and decision-makers prioritize innovation and technology adaptability to stay a head of the curve. By leveraging disruptive technology, organizations can have a custom based dynamic system to constantly improve and enhance the implementation process of innovative ideas and technology deployment companywide.
