PSTI's SME Membership Scheme Enters Third Year

PSTI's SME scheme has now entered its third year. From a standing start in 1994, and with financial support from Scottish Enterprise, the scheme has grown steadily and now has 24 members.

A major element of the scheme is to assist SMEs in devising innovative project proposals. PSTI has already worked with several SME Members to develop and launch a number of joint industry-funded projects (JIPs), such as Offshore Technology Managementís Petroleum Technology Identification System (PTIDES).

Other highlights of the scheme include roundtable discussions on "barriers to innovation". These involve representatives from PSTIs membership (E&P, large service and SME companies) exploring the changing relationships between oil company and contractor, and the impact this is having on the ability of SMEs to successfully provide innovative solutions to the needs of the former.

While this issue is a complex one, PSTI has recognised the importance of discussion and personal relationships in breaking down barriers. The role of facilitator in this process has proved to be important in encouraging the various stakeholders to share their views and concerns.

Interestingly, the multi-national service companies are among those who see particular value in PSTI's role as a facilitator. Historically these companies have developed the majority of their products and services in-house but increasingly they recognise the potential for co-operative relationships with innovative SMEs. In terms of such a partnership, what SMEs lack in size, funding and market penetration, they more than make up for in terms of creativity, speed and cost-efficiency.

There are already many examples of such relationships but PSTI expects this to grow in the near future. While patent protection and other forms of intellectual property protection will be important to SMEs, productive partnerships will have to be built much more on trust and a longer-term perspective if both SME and large service/supply companies are to benefit together.

For further information contact Graham Stewart, e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 706600. Fax: 01224 706601.