Emergence of oil & gas subsea processing from a technological innovation systems perspective (1990-2019)

Abstract This article examines the emergence of subsea processing technologies in the global oil and gas industry during the period 1990-2019. Five subsystems related to subsea processing are considered: subsea gas compression; subsea boosting; subsea water treatment and injection; subsea separation and direct electric heating. Our analytical framework is based on the perspective of technological innovation system, focusing in the functions of the system. The system functioning analysis is based upon data from demonstration projects, scientific publications, and patents. Our main research question is: How the interactions between functions interconnect with the emergence of subsea processing in this period? We identified that system functioning have positive effects on adoption and diffusion of these new technologies. This article contributes to the debate on public policies and innovation in established sectors, as well discuss the role of developing countries in emerging technological areas.

摘要
本文考察了1990年至2019年间全球石油天然气产业海底处理技术的兴起进程。本次研究共分析了与海底处理技术相关的五大子系统：海底气体压缩、海底增压、海底水处理与注入、海底分离及直接电加热技术。本研究的分析框架基于技术创新系统（Technological Innovation System）视角，重点聚焦于该系统的各项功能维度。系统功能分析的数据来源包括示范项目、学术出版物及专利文献。本研究的核心研究问题为：在本次研究时段内，各项系统功能之间的互动如何与海底处理技术的兴起产生相互关联？研究结果表明，系统功能的有效发挥对这类新兴技术的采纳与扩散具有积极促进作用。本文可为成熟产业中的公共政策与创新相关学术讨论提供有益补充，同时探讨了发展中国家在新兴技术领域的角色与作用。