The strategic technology program a model for high value and focussed collaborative technology development

摘要

The electricity industry is changing in every country in the world. The introduction of competition and changing regulatory structures are driving electricity distribution businesses to focus on improved performance at lower cost in shorter timescales. For this reason electricity utilities all over the world are starting to work together: Whilst benchmarking exercises help companies to identify best current practice, they cannot identify new approaches for companies to adopt in order to keep their competitive edge and enhance their profits. The introduction of innovative technology is becoming increasingly important in order to maintain a competitive edge. One benefit of companies working together in identifying new approaches and developing new solutions is avoiding duplication, which inevitably results from uncoordinated activities. Although large, centrally co-ordinated international programmes can and do provide opportunities for collaboration the process can be slow, poorly focussed and inefficient. In today's cost conscious world it is essential to ensure that technological development and research is cost effective; that it is relevant today and remains relevant during the changing environment; and that it creates solutions, rather than recommendations for further work.