Private sector economic development body Opportunity North East (ONE) has hailed a “transformational project” for the oil and gas industry and the Aberdeenshire region.
Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of ONE, made the remark as the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) marked the opening of its Innovation Hub.
The unique collaboration environment is designed to help innovators take their concepts from initial inspiration to final implementation.
Based in Aberdeen, the Hub combines the latest collaboration technologies with a programme of innovation events and workshops with expert facilitation, bringing together leading academics and recognised experts from industries beyond oil and gas to help generate new concepts and ideas.
The Oil & Gas Technology Centre is one of three innovation projects developed by ONE in collaboration with industry and academia as part of the £250 million Aberdeen City Region Deal, a partnership between the UK and Scottish Government’s, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, and ONE, representing the private sector.
ONE secured final business case approval for the Centre in November 2016 and it was subsequently launched as a standalone entity in early 2017.
Sir Ian said: “The Oil & Gas Technology Centre is a transformational project for North East Scotland and for the UK oil and gas industry.
“Accelerating the development and application of technology and innovation is key to maximising the potential of the remaining UKCS reserves and to anchoring the supply chain in and around Aberdeen beyond the production life of the North Sea.
“Thus, our regional ambition is aligned with the oil and gas industry vision, supported by operators, the supply chain, the Oil & Gas Authority and Government.
“The Innovation Hub within the Centre has an important role to play in driving collaboration and creativity and we hope that industry, academia and other relevant parties fully capitalise on the opportunity it represents to realise new solutions and unlock additional value.”
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