This collaborative approach is the result of a new, unique course named “Leading through the energy transition”. In this course experts from BI and Rystad Energy are empowering leaders in addressing key challenges the industry is facing and needs to solve.
The new executive course has attracted managers from across disciplines and sectors to address the dependencies that exist among different stakeholders and sectors.
Marianne Lefdal, Vice President at Geoscience
“Changing the energy systems requires a good understanding of the complexity and the factors influencing each other. The energy transition is a mega trend, and even though we have seen a slowdown lately, it is by no means halted. We have a lot of knowledge of what can be done, but we should probably become better at taking small steps instead of getting derailed,“ says Marianne Lefdal.
Conflicting views
Where traditional oil and gas companies are facing challenges in transforming their business models in the face of impending environmental regulations and shifting market demands, renewable energy providers are searching for solutions to scale their operations and overcome technological hurdles as storage and grid integration.
Banks and financial institutions on the other hand, are adapting their portfolios and investment strategies to support both the old and new energy sectors, while non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continue to be strong advocates for policy change, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
“In the course, we apply a systems thinking approach, addressing energy ecosystems and the need to increase collaborative and joint efforts among all stakeholders. Collaboration across these sectors provides a blueprint for overcoming obstacles and maximizing shared opportunities,“ says Lars Huemer, Professor in strategy and entrepreneurship.
Decoding the transition
One of the goals of the course is to increase the participants’ appreciation of a holistic investigation of factors and interactions that contribute to the energy transition.
Participants collaborate to decode issues by sharing experiences and training together in identifying strategic and managerial wicked problems and how to overcome “must-win” battles.
“Meeting in classroom and engaging in interactive discussions with representatives from across the industry enhances learning and deepens participants' understanding of both short-term and long-term implication,” says Lefdal.
Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen CEO in Norsk Klimastiftelse, which conveys knowledge to the public about the way forward in the green transition, feels significantly more informed about what is happening 'on the ground' in the different parts of the energy sector after discussions in the class.
“The energy transition raises a number of complex challenges from the development of new technology and the establishment of profitable value chains to the expansion of large amounts of renewable energy without damaging valuable nature. What is common to these challenges is that they are best addressed through collaboration – across sectors, companies, and national borders,“ he says and adds:
“An important theme in the course was value creation through 'coopetition' – that is, a strategy where competitors collaborate where they can and compete where they must. This is an approach I believe will be crucial if we are to succeed with the green transition.”
The programme has been developed in collaboration with BI’s advisory council for the energy and ocean sector, which consist of representatives from companies such as DNB, Aker BP, Equinor, Å Energi, Vår Energi, SLB, Norsk Industri, Styrke, Yara, Statkraft.