Transição energética na indústria de óleo e gás e o papel da acumulação de capacidades tecnológicasevidências da Petrobras

Resumo

This thesis is situated within the field of innovation and operations management, examining the relationship between trajectories of innovative technological capability accumulation, technological learning processes, and their implications for the energy transition. The study contributes by analyzing, at the firm level and within the context of the oil and gas industry in emerging economies, the role of technological capability accumulation in exploration and production (E&P) in driving the energy transition. Additionally, it provides new empirical evidence to advance discussions and address gaps in the existing literature. The research adopts a qualitative and deductive methodological approach, drawing on primary evidence collected through an in-depth single-case study of Petrobras, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. The investigation focuses on two key technological areas of the company: oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The methodological strategy employed enabled the identification of the following key findings: (1) The accumulation of technological capabilities in both areas followed equivalent trajectories, characterized by a continuous and incremental process of technological innovation upgrading, supported by internal R&D activities and a well-established, diversified collaboration network. (2) Technological leaps were driven by the convergence of three essential factors: the existence of a specific demand, the presence of pre-existing technological capabilities, and the strategic coordination of physical and financial efforts. (3) Distinct levels of technological capability were observed between the two areas: while E&P stands as a global leader in technological innovation for ultra-deepwater operations, the CCUS area, despite demonstrating an advanced level of innovation, has not yet surpassed the international frontier in this field. (4) The development of new technological solutions, such as CCUS, resulted from the strong innovative performance consolidated in the E&P sector. (5) Corporate strategies emerged as critical determinants of technological capability levels and innovative performance, influencing the intensity, speed, and long-term sustainability of these capabilities. (6) Public policies played a fundamental role in fostering technological and industrial development in the oil and gas sector. The findings indicate that Petrobras has followed a consistent trajectory of technological capability accumulation in E&P, achieving a high level of innovation that has positioned the company as both a global leader in CCUS initiatives and an active player in exploring new business opportunities in industrial decarbonization and the development of emerging energy technologies. These insights support its strategic positioning as a diversified and integrated energy company, with the potential to lead Brazil’s energy transition. However, the study underscores that this transition requires a collective effort, orchestrated and enabled by the state, which dictates the pace and scale of the necessary investments. Within this context, Petrobras plays a catalytic role, fostering and accelerating the technological and industrial ecosystem necessary for the energy transition.

Ficha do documento

Tipo

Tese

Ano

2024

Instituição

Fundação Getulio Vargas

Fonte

Repositório da FGV

Idioma

Português

Acesso

Acesso aberto

Identificador

oai:repositorio.fgv.br:10438/36652

Temas

Políticas PúblicasDesenvolvimento EconômicoTecnologia

Palavras-chave

Transição energéticaCapacidade tecnológicaAprendizagemInovaçãoIndústria de óleo e gásEnergy transitionTechnological capabilityLearning; innovationOil and gas industryAdministração de empresasDesenvolvimento energéticoRecursos energéticosIndústria petrolíferaInovações tecnológicasAprendizagem organizacional