NCE subsea in the brazilian subsea sector: A study of norwegian-based subsea suppliers’ contribution to RD in the brazilian subsea sector

摘要

The thesis undertakes a qualitative study of how NCE Subsea - the cluster membersand the Norwegian NCE cluster model – can contribute to R&D in the Braziliansubsea supply chain. Dunning’s Eclectic Paradigm is applied to determine the meansof participation in the Brazilian subsea sector most beneficial to members of the NCESubsea cluster.First of all, the great demand of subsea supplies and services has resulted in a surge ofcompanies bringing much-needed technology to the emerging subsea hotspot, Rio deJaneiro. In this sense, DUI will perhaps prove more valuable than STI to graduallysolve the many bottlenecks in the Brazilian subsea sector, partly caused by theimmature supply chain.There is clear evidence of a self-selection process when confronted with the“Brazilian cost”. The most highlighted challenges relates to lack of qualified workers,logistics, and a complicated tax regime. The project concludes that members of NCESubsea contribute to closing the gap of local competence, especially among qualifiedseafarers. The quality of local manufacturing is relatively poor, despite a holisticdevotion to improve LC on several governmental levels. One is therefore entitled toquestion, as Rio de Janeiro is becoming a hotspot for subsea technology, whether thelocal capabilities are sufficient to absorb more advanced innovations that increasinglywill be developed in Rio de Janeiro in connection with various cooperationagreements.Triple Helix is a reasonable tool to develop the local subsea industry as it ”fits” thelandscape to a greater extent than the NCE subsea cluster model does. However,certain features characteristic for the Norwegian cluster model might prove beneficialfor the Rio Subsea Cluster. Findings indicate that the industry-academia linkage maybecome stronger if Rio Subsea Cluster draws on the Norwegian experiences ofconducting applied science projects.