Title: Manufacturing strategies of small technology-based firms in the UK oil industry

Authors: Elisabeth A. Crabtree, D. Jane Bower, William Keogh

Addresses: Centre for Management Studies, University of Aberdeen, Edward Wright, Building, Dunbar Street, Old Aberdeen, AB24 3QY, UK. Division of Economics and Entrepreneurship, Glasgow Caledonian University, 1 Park Road, Glasgow G3 GLP, UK. Aberdeen Business School, Faculty of Management, The Robert Gordon, University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QE, UK

Abstract: Changes in the industrial network of the UK offshore oil and gas industry have been brought about by the introduction of new contracting and purchasing arrangements. Companies at all levels have been affected, including the small, technology-based, oil-related companies (STBORs) who have traditionally provided much of the innovation required by the industry. This study, funded by the EPSRC, investigated technology management issues in the light of these changes, particularly as they affect STBORs and innovation. Issues raised by the research include the evolving manufacturing strategies of these small, technology-based firms. This paper seeks to illustrate these problems and the strategies devised by certain STBORs to overcome them.

Keywords: manufacturing; oil and gas; SMEs; supply network.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2000.001349

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2000 Vol.1 No.4/5, pp.455-463

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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