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PETROMAKS2-Stort program petroleum

Cooperation and sharing: Environmental R&D network between Norway and Brazil

Alternativ tittel: Samarbeid og deling: Miljø FoU nettverk mellom Norge og Brasil

Tildelt: kr 1,8 mill.

IRIS Biomiljø has completed the second and final year of the Petromaks2 ISP project "Cooperation and sharing: Environmental R&D network between Norway and Brazil". The original main objective was to develop an efficient, integrated and balanced Norwegian-Brazilian cooperation network in the areas of environmental research, education and innovation. As the timeline for the project was reduced from the original 3 years to 2 years only, an additional focus in 2015 was put on commercial processes and structures in an attempt to make the operation self-financed and self-sustained. In addition to maintaining a close dialogue with the ANP-accredited federal universities and partners, UFRJ and UFSC, a decision was made to also align closer with Brazilian SMEs to ensure speed in decision making and to strengthen the ability to source and deliver projects in Brazil. The profiles of the Brazilian SMEs mirror IRIS' main research areas within Marine Environment and Biotechnology. Other main events in 2015 include multi-week market visits from IRIS and UiS to Brazil in February, April and November, a visit from UFRJ to Stavanger in June during the ISMOS 5 biotechnology conference (hosted by IRIS), an attempt at expanding educational cooperation between UiS and UFRJ, significant mobilization and attendance at the "November conference" in Rio - including hosting the workshop on environmental topics - and minor commercial deliveries to Petrobras. While the project partners have had a high level of activity and there have been several positive developments also in 2015, it is clear that the ambition of having a self-sustained structure - financially and operationally - will not be met by the end of 2015. The reasons for the above are many, but include a dramatic deterioration of market conditions in Brazil, a lack of progress between Norwegian and Brazilian funding bodies in publishing significant R&D calls, and a growing concern at IRIS related to mobilizing a vehicle for operating locally in Brazil. SINTEF's announced exit and large write offs related to Instituto SINTEF do Brasil, and a challenging oil and gas market leading to cost challenges also in home markets, are two of the main factors behind the latest view on risks and investments in Brazil. On the positive side, several spin-off projects have been launched as a consequence of relationships that have been established during the period, opening also for future cooperation and engagement - in and towards Brazil.

IRIS Environment has over a significant period of time been building relationships with universities and oil operator companies in Brazil. Building a structured Environmental R&D network between Norway and Brazil through improved communication and organ izational structures is seen as a key lever to unlock the confirmed potential for additional activities. The project aims to establish a fit-for-purpose structure that integrates overseas delivery capacity with existing competencies and personnel in the home countries. The main components in the approach are summarized as: * Cooperation based on established relationships, trust and knowledge of capabilities. * Action oriented agenda: Leverage existing facilities and laboratories, existing (UFSC and UFRJ ) ANP registrations for Brazilian R&D funds, as well as existing market acceptance and leading positions in Brazil and Norway. * Balanced Norwegian and Brazilian approach: Two-way cooperation and benefit from knowledge gain, e.g. related to cold waters - deep sea in Brazil and arctic sea in Norway. * Targeted effort: Focus on the environmental area with concrete topics of high interest. Significant opportunity related to harmonizing initiatives related to the oil and gas sector in Norway and Brazil. * In tegration of efforts related to education, research and innovation. * Aim to strengthen the network further during the project period. A Steering Committee will be established comprising the four participants. The project organization consists of a proje ct lead in Norway and local follow up in Brazil through IRIS do Brasil Ltda. Significant attention will be based on thematic workshops and on leveraging the consortium's joint resources. Educational exchange and staff development have a particular focus . Learning's from SiU and the Norwegian / Russian collaboration will be applied. Support and alignment is sought with e.g. UTFORSK, YGGDRASIL and the Science without Boarders program.

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PETROMAKS2-Stort program petroleum